WATERFORD, IRELAND – The Air Accident Investigation Unit (AAIU) has released its preliminary report into the tragic crash of a Vulcanair P.68C-TC aircraft that claimed the life of 48-year-old Turkish pilot Bircan Dokuzlar on November 20, 2025.
The Flight Path and Emergency
The aircraft (Registration: EI-HPY) departed Sligo Airport at 11:10 AM, destined for Béziers, France. While cruising at an altitude of 11,000 feet, the pilot contacted Air Traffic Control (ATC) to declare an emergency, citing low fuel pressure and alternator failure in the left engine.
The pilot was diverted to Waterford Airport for an emergency landing. During his final approach, he reported that the left engine was “shaking” violently when he attempted to increase throttle. Shortly after, the aircraft entered a steep turn and crashed into an agricultural field at Lisselan, Co. Waterford.
Key Technical Findings
The investigation revealed several critical points regarding the aircraft’s history and condition:
- Maintenance Status: The aircraft had been stationary at Sligo Airport since July 2024 to undergo Irish registration and had not flown for several months prior to the accident.
- Mechanical Issues: Preliminary inspections found a faulty fuel pump and an oily spark plug in the left engine, which likely contributed to the loss of power.
- Aircraft History: The plane was recently purchased by a Slovenian company and was being ferried to its new base in Ljubljana at the time of the crash.
The AAIU stated that this 18-page report is technical in nature, with a final report determining the definitive cause of the crash to be published later.
