Accident Overview
A cargo flight originating from Malta-Luqa en route to Stansted ended in a crash during its third landing attempt. The aircraft impacted terrain approximately 0.75 mile short of the runway threshold after striking trees, resulting in its destruction and the deaths of all four crew members.
Sequence of Events
Approaching Stansted, visibility was limited due to poor weather conditions. The captain initiated a go-around after the first approach. A second attempt to land was also abandoned. During a third approach, the pilot-in-command descended below the glide path, apparently in an effort to establish visual contact with the ground. The airplane subsequently struck trees and crashed in flames.
Investigation Findings
The official investigation determined the probable cause to be an error on the part of the captain. Specifically, while attempting to land, the captain continued the approach below the critical height without sufficient visual reference to the ground.