What happened
During an approach to runway 10 at New Delhi-Indira Gandhi Airport, the flight crew encountered heavy fog that significantly reduced visibility. In response to these conditions, the crew requested guidance from Air Traffic Control.
As the aircraft was on short final approach, it descended below a safe altitude. The plane collided with power lines and a concrete water tank before crashing in the Pappankalan district, approximately 2.4 km from the runway threshold. The impact destroyed both the aircraft and a nearby structure. The accident resulted in 18 fatalities among those on board and 3 deaths of individuals on the ground.
Findings
Investigations concluded that the crew was performing the final approach at an altitude lower than the minimum safety requirements while operating in thick fog.