What happened
Shortly after departing from Rijeka Airport, a three-engine airplane encountered intense meteorological disturbances, including thunderstorms and significant turbulence, while traversing the Dinariques Alps. During this period of unstable weather, the aircraft became uncontrollable and descended into a forested region on the side of Mt Risnjak, situated approximately 27 km northeast of the airfield. The aircraft struck the terrain at an estimated speed of 200 km/h.
The impact resulted in the total destruction of the airframe. There were no survivors among the 14 fatalities recorded on board the flight.
Findings
Investigations into the accident determined that the primary factor was the loss of control resulting from severe turbulence and stormy weather conditions encountered during the flight phase.