What happened
On June 7, 2014, at approximately 20:40, a Sky Ranger, registration TF-150, was performing a private flight to deliver supplies to horse riders at Löngufjörur on the Snæfellsnes peninsula. The pilot, flying with approximately 55 liters of fuel and 50 kg of supplies, arrived at the destination to survey the landing area. After initially deciding to abort the landing due to deep tracks in the sand, the pilot attempted a second approach.
During the final approach, the pilot performed a left-hand turn into the crosswind leg. Due to the sun's position, the pilot was unable to clearly monitor the airspeed indicator. As the aircraft entered the final turn toward the landing heading, it experienced an overshoot and subsequently lost altitude. The aircraft struck the shoreline, resulting in significant injuries to the pilot and substantial damage to the aircraft.
The investigation
The RNSA examined flight data recorded by an on-board camera, which provided GPS-based altitude, groundspeed, and flight path information. The investigation analyzed the aircraft's weight, including fuel and supplies, and calculated the aerodynamic performance during the final maneuvers. The investigation also reviewed weather data from the Icelandic Meteorological Office, which recorded a 5-knot westerly wind at the time of the accident.
Findings
- The aircraft was flying at an extremely low altitude, between 25 and 35 feet above the intended landing site.
- The pilot was flying with the wing flaps extended, which reduced the aircraft's maximum stall speed.
- The aircraft's mass was at approximately 96% of its maximum allowable weight.
- The final turn was a tight maneuver with a calculated bank angle of 57 degrees.
- The aircraft was flying in a tight turn at the limits of its stall speed, causing it to lose altitude and impact the ground.
- The pilot's attention was diverted by the landing site conditions, and the sun prevented an accurate assessment of the airspeed.
- There was insufficient altitude to allow for corrective action once the loss of lift occurred.