What happened
Following departure from Chania-Souda Airport, the flight crew identified a mechanical issue involving the right main landing gear, which failed to retract into the wheel well. To address this, the captain elected to proceed to the original destination of Munich with the gear in the extended position. However, this configuration led to higher fuel consumption during the flight.
As the flight progressed, the crew determined that the remaining fuel was insufficient to reach Munich and initiated a diversion to Vienna-Schwechat Airport. While flying at 4,000 feet and approximately 12 nautical miles from the destination, both engines ceased operation because of fuel exhaustion. Although the crew managed to briefly restart one engine, the aircraft entered a stall during the short final approach. The aircraft struck a grassy area roughly 500 meters before reaching runway 34.
Upon impact, the left main landing gear detached from the airframe. The aircraft slid for approximately 600 meters before veering left and coming to a stop on its left wing. The aircraft sustained damage that rendered it a total loss.
Findings
- The primary reason for the dual engine failure was the depletion of fuel during the flight.
- The decision to fly with extended landing gear increased the rate of fuel consumption, making the original destination unreachable.