Approach and Loss of Visual Contact
On final approach to Saposoa Airport, approximately 3 km from the airfield, the pilot-in-command (a student pilot) lost visual contact with the ground due to adverse weather conditions. Despite the circumstances, the crew decided to continue the approach.
Regaining Visual Contact and Landing
At an altitude of 50 feet, visual contact was reestablished with the runway, which was to the right of the airplane. The student pilot initiated a go-around procedure, but simultaneously the instructor pilot took over the controls, reduced engine power, made a right turn, and landed the airplane about halfway down the runway.
Overrun and Crash
After touchdown, the crew began braking. However, the runway was wet, and with insufficient remaining distance, the airplane failed to stop in time. It overran the runway and crashed into the Saposoa River. The instructor pilot and five passengers were killed; 24 other occupants were injured, some seriously. The airplane was destroyed.
Official Probable Cause
According to the official findings, the main cause was a pilot's personal error for not complying with visual flight rules and procedures. Contributing factors included poor weather conditions at Saposoa Airport and lack of crew coordination, as the crew failed to make a prior comment before the landing procedure.