A preliminary report into the Cessna aircraft crash which claimed two lives at Inverin, Co Galway, in early July has found "no significant technical defects" in the aircraft to date.
However, further tests on the aircraft, controls, systems and instrumentation are continuing, the Air Accident Investigation Unit (AAIU) said.
In its interim ruling, the AAIU also noted that the weather may have been a factor, as a complex meteorological system was transiting the area at the time.
The Cessna Grand Caravan's pilot, Matt Masterson (59), from Terenure, Dublin, died in the crash at Aerphort na Minna, Inverin, Connemara, on July 5th, along with Paul McNamee (57), an accountant from Loughrea, Co Galway.
Seven passengers were treated in hospital, and six have since been released - while Martin Acton, a Clifden builder, is still in hospital in Dublin.
The party was returning from Inis Meáin on the aircraft just after lunch on July 5th, having marked the conclusion of the sale of an airstrip at Cleggan to the Government. The airstrip, which had been the subject of controversy at its initial location on Roundstone bog, is being developed to link Connemara to Inishbofin island.
The report said the private flight was organised by a friend of the aircraft owner - estate agent and businessman David Courtney of Spain Courtney Doyle - to demonstrate the capabilities of the Cessna Caravan. The business group were interested in acquiring a similar model aircraft.
At 13.50 hours, the report said that witnesses observed the plane approaching Inverin at a low altitude. It struck a small outcrop, bounced and cartwheeled to the left. The left wing severed, and came to rest on the right-hand side of the fuselage, the report said. The engine also detached and came to rest on top of the right wing, which was still attached at the main spar point. No fire broke out, and Galway fire brigade units were on the scene very quickly and sprayed the wreckage with foam.
The Health Service Executive West dispatched a mobile medical team from University College Hospital, Galway (UCHG), along with ambulances from Galway and Carraroe. Two people were administered the last rites at the scene by local parish priest Fr Colm Ó Ceannabhain.
The Irish Coast Guard's Shannon-based Sikorsky helicopter was involved in rescuing the crew of a yacht which had dismasted off the Aran islands when it got an emergency call. Two Irish Coast Guard helicopters then flew the casualties to UCHG.Mr Masterson formerly worked with companies such as CityJet and was a very experienced pilot. Mr McNamee was a partner in accountancy firm Gorman, McNamee & Associates, which served as auditors to the Galway GAA County Board.
Also on board were Clifden hoteliers Brian Hughes, Kevin Barry and his son Kevin jnr, David Hennessy from Oranmore, who is operations director with the Sweeney Hotel Group, Loughrea businessman Eugene Houlihan, Clifden developer Martin Acton and Alan Smith from Swords in Co Dublin.
