What happened
During an approach toward Herat, the flight crew encountered adverse weather conditions. In response to the deteriorating visibility, the decision was made to redirect the flight to Shindand. However, due to continued poor weather, a further diversion to Kandahar was attempted. Upon receiving reports that meteorological conditions at Kandahar had also worsened, making landing impossible, the captain elected to divert the aircraft to Quetta in Baluchestan.
During the descent toward Quetta Airport, the pilot notified air traffic control that the aircraft was experiencing low fuel levels. Shortly thereafter, the aircraft type struck a mountain slope situated near the Khojak Pass. The wreckage of the flight was subsequently located approximately 75 km northwest of the Quetta airfield. There were 51 fatalities and no survivors among the occupants.
Findings
- The crew attempted multiple diversions due to persistent poor weather across several regional airports.
- The aircraft was operating with insufficient fuel reserves during its final approach to Quetta.