ATR 42 crashes into mountain during approach to Pristina

Casualties unknown • Pristina (Kosovo), FR

An ATR 42-300 operating for Si Fly struck a mountain peak north of Pristina, Kosovo, resulting in three fatalities and the destruction of the aircraft.

What happened

On 12 November 1999, an ATR 42-300, registration F-OHFV, was performing a scheduled passenger flight from Rome to Pristina, Kosovo, on behalf of the World Food Program. During the approach to Pristina aerodrome, the aircraft was operating under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) in conditions featuring a layer of clouds at 3,000 feet and visibility of 4,000 meters.

While communicating with military air traffic control, the crew was directed to various headings to manage traffic and avoid danger areas. At approximately 10:08 UTC, the aircraft was at 10,000 feet and was instructed to turn right to a heading of 355 degrees. As the flight progressed, the aircraft entered a sector where the minimum safety altitude was 6,900 feet. While maneuvering to return toward the airport, the aircraft descended to 4,600 feet and struck a mountain peak situated at 4,650 feet.

The investigation

The investigation, conducted by the BEA with international cooperation, examined the flight recorders, the wreckage, and the air traffic control communications. Investigators analyzed the sequence of events through the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) and Flight Data Recorder (FDR), noting the aircraft's altitude and heading changes. The investigation also reviewed the operational procedures of the operator, Si Fly, and the air traffic management at Pristina aerodrome, which was being managed by a military organization at the time. The study included an examination of the Ground Proximity Warning System (GPWS) and the radio altimeter functionality.

Findings

  • The aircraft struck terrain while flying at an altitude of approximately 4,600 feet, which was below the required minimum safety altitude of 6,900 feet for that specific sector.
  • The terrain impact occurred while the aircraft was executing a turn to return to the airport.
  • Air traffic control performance was noted as having limited radar capability due to poor radar performance at the time.
  • The crew was managing multiple instructions regarding traffic separation and heading changes to avoid danger areas and other aircraft in the pattern.

Probable cause

The aircraft struck a mountain peak because it was operating at an altitude significantly below the minimum safety altitude required for that sector of airspace during a maneuvering turn.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1999-11-12 ATR 42-300 accident near Pristina (Kosovo), FR?

An ATR 42-300 operating for Si Fly struck a mountain peak north of Pristina, Kosovo, resulting in three fatalities and the destruction of the aircraft.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1999-11-12 involved a ATR 42-300, registration F-OHFV, operated by Si Fly, at Pristina (Kosovo), FR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft struck a mountain peak because it was operating at an altitude significantly below the minimum safety altitude required for that sector of airspace during a maneuvering turn.

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