What happened
During an approach to Saposoa Airport, the aircraft lost visual contact with the ground approximately 3 km from the airfield due to poor weather. As the plane reached an altitude of 50 feet, the crew regained sight of the runway located to the right of the aircraft's path. At this point, the student pilot in command attempted to perform a go-around procedure. Simultaneously, the instructor pilot assumed control of the aircraft, decreased engine power, and executed a right-hand turn to land.
The aircraft touched down roughly halfway down the runway. Because the runway surface was wet, the crew was unable to stop the plane within the remaining distance. The aircraft overran the runway and subsequently crashed into the nearby Saposoa River. The accident resulted in 6 fatalities, including the instructor pilot, and 24 injuries, several of which were classified as serious. The aircraft was destroyed in the impact.
Findings
- The primary factor in the accident was the inability to stop on a wet runway due to insufficient remaining distance after touchdown.