AAIU report into damage to EI-IAN

The Air Accident Investigation Unit (AAIU) of the Department of Transport has issued it's report into the incident to the Irish Parachute Clubs Pilatus PC-6 EI-IAN on May 4 2008 at Clonbullogue. The accident occurred when the aircraft was on final approach to the airfield following a parachute drop. On short finals the aircraft sank below the normal visual profile. The pilot applied power to attempt recovery but the action was proven to be insufficient to prevent the aircraft striking a boundary hedge to the airfield. A fence post sticking out of the hedge caused substantial damage to the underside of the aircraft. The aircraft landed normally and there were no injuries to the pilot, sole occupant. The report states that the probable cause of the accident was the loss of height and that it is possible that the aircraft experienced turbulence from the airfield hangar due to prevailing wind speed and direction at the time of the accident. No recommendations are made as a result of the report.