What happened
A scheduled international passenger flight traveling from Belfast City Airport to Cork Airport experienced a series of unsuccessful approach attempts due to Low Visibility Procedures being in effect at the destination. The aircraft performed two separate ILS1 approaches, both of which resulted in missed approaches. Following a period of holding, a third ILS approach was attempted toward Runway 17.
During this third attempt, the aircraft descended below the 200-foot Decision Height, prompting the crew to initiate a missed approach. As the aircraft neared the runway threshold, it experienced a left roll followed by a sudden roll to the right. During this maneuver, the right wingtip struck the runway surface. The aircraft continued to roll until it impacted the runway in a fully inverted position. After the impact, the aircraft slid off the runway to the right and stopped in soft ground. A fracture in the aircraft roof allowed a large amount of mud to enter the cabin.
The accident resulted in six fatalities, including both members of the flight crew. Additionally, four passengers sustained serious injuries, while two others suffered minor injuries. Post-impact, fires broke out in both engines, though the Airport Fire Service was able to extinguish the flames quickly.
Findings
During the impact sequence, the propeller blades on both engines sustained severe damage, with three of the four blades on the right-hand engine detaching. The sequence of events indicates the aircraft struck the runway surface with its right wingtip during the approach phase.