Accident Details
The charter flight departed for its destination, where passengers were to connect with another airline. The instrument-rated pilot may have felt pressured because the flight departed late.
Sequence of Events
The accident airplane approached the destination airport from the east, descending at 250 knots ground speed from 8,800 feet above mean sea level (msl) on a 270-degree assigned heading. It was instructed to enter a right downwind for runway 10. The approach controller observed the airplane's altitude readout change to "XXX." The pilot was asked about his altitude and replied that he was descending to 3,200 feet msl. He was asked to confirm that he was in visual flight rules (VFR) conditions and was advised that the minimum vectoring altitude (MVA) for the area was 5,500 feet msl. The pilot responded, "We just ahh," and when the controller could not hear him, she asked for a repeat. The pilot then said, "Ahh roger, could we stay right just a little, we are in and out of some clouds right now." The controller instructed the pilot to "Maintain VFR" and again advised of the MVA. Multiple attempts to contact the pilot were unsuccessful.
Wreckage and Findings
The wreckage was discovered on the side of a mountain, where the airplane impacted after entering instrument meteorological conditions. Because aircraft operating in VFR flight are not required to comply with minimum instrument altitudes, those receiving VFR radar services are not automatically afforded Minimum Safe Altitude Warning services unless requested. The controller's query about the pilot's altitude and flight conditions was prompted by the loss of altitude reporting information. The pilot had not indicated any difficulty maintaining VFR flight or terrain clearance before his comment about clouds, which came within seconds of impact. Despite being advised of the MVA, the pilot continued to descend. The airplane was equipped with a terrain avoidance warning system, but its functionality could not be determined. The pilot owned the charter operation. Documents found in the wreckage identified the pilot and airplane as operating for a different company, as the pilot lacked permissions to operate in the United Kingdom Overseas Territories.