The Air Accident Investigation Unit continues its examination this morning of the Vulcanair P.68C crash that took place near Waterford Airport on 20 November. The aircraft, registration EI-HPY, came down in a field in Lisselan, north-east of Tramore, at 12.50pm. One person, the sole occupant, died in the incident.
The P.68C series aircraft seats six, with twin engines, a high wing and fixed landing gear. It serves for short-range transport and flight training. This model includes a redesigned cockpit with Garmin G-1000 NXi avionics and Garmin GFC700 autopilot. It has adjustable seats, a pilot door, reinforced main gear and brakes, and a maximum zero-fuel weight that exceeds predecessors. The wing life limit stands at 21,550 hours. Fuel consumption matches many six-cylinder single-engine piston aircraft, while the second engine provides redundancy.
The flight departed Sligo Airport bound for Béziers Cap d’Agde Airport in France. Flight-tracking data shows the aircraft turned around 50km off the south coast of Ireland and headed towards Waterford Airport. It declared an emergency at 12.30pm with squawk 7700. The aircraft struck the ground on approach to the airport at Killowen, south of Waterford city.
Gardaí, fire services and ambulance crews arrived at the site shortly after the crash. The scene remains preserved for the investigation. The AAIU deployed four inspectors to the location on 20 November to begin work. The Irish Aviation Authority received notification of the event.
A Garda spokesperson stated that gardaí and emergency services attended the collision involving the light aircraft near Tramore. Initial reports confirm the fatality of the sole occupant. Investigations proceed.
