Incident Overview
Description
The Twin Pioneer departed Southend on a ferry flight to Dakar. Intermediate night time stops were planned at Marrakech, Agadir and Las Palmas. After passing abeam Sidi Ifni on plan the aircraft encountered an extreme depression with extreme winds. The crew however were not able to contact Fuerteventura by HF or VHF radio. Nor were they able to pick up the Fuerteventura NDB or any other beacon. Uncertain about their position, the captain decided ditch the plane near a fishing vessel. It was subsequently established that the Fuerteventura NDB was not operating at the time requested by the Captain in the Flight Plan; the Flight Plan was received in Las Palmas before the aircraft departed Marrakech, but Fuerteventura aerodrome had by that time closed, in accordance with the published hours of watch.
Primary Cause
Radio failure and lack of navigational beacons leading to disorientation and a critical decision to land.Radio failure and lack of navigational beacons leading to disorientation and a critical decision to land.Share on:
