What happened
On February 3, 2022, a Textron 172N, registration TF-ABB, departed Reykjavík Airport (BIRK) at 10:38 for a planned two-hour flight over southern Iceland. The flight, which included the pilot and three passengers, was intended to capture aerial footage for social media content.
The flight path took the aircraft over Hellisheiði and along the southern coast toward Þjórsárós before turning northwest toward Lake Þingvallavat . At approximately 11:48, the aircraft descended toward the frozen surface of the lake at Ölfusvatnsvík. The aircraft's wheels made contact with the ice, which failed to support the weight of the plane, causing the aircraft to break through the surface and impact the water. The aircraft sank approximately two minutes later.
All four occupants of the aircraft perished in the accident, with medical examiners finding evidence of drowning. While an emergency call was placed from a passenger's phone at 11:51, there was no clear communication, and the aircraft's emergency beacon failed to activate.
The investigation
The RNSA examined the aircraft, the flight footage recovered from the wreckage, and the environmental conditions at the time of the accident. The investigation focused on whether the pilot intended to land on the ice or perform a low-altitude pass.
Technical inspections of the engine and airframe revealed no mechanical failures that could have caused the crash. The engine was found to be in good working order, despite some minor, non-critical wear on the camshaft and tappets. The aircraft sustained damage from corrosion due to its submersion in the lake for several months, as well as damage to the engine cowling and landing gear.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the intentional or unintentional landing on thin ice that could not support the aircraft's weight.
- The pilot's desire to capture authentic social media content likely influenced the decision to descend toward the lake surface.
- Human factors were identified as contributing elements, including a potential decision error if the pilot overestimated the ice thickness, or a skill-based error if the aircraft was flying too low.
- The lack of formal operational procedures or an air operator certificate for the entity Volcano Air contributed to the unsafe operating environment.
- The presence of a camera strap hanging from the control yoke was noted, which could have potentially interfered with flight controls during a low-altitude maneuver.