What happened
On their initial day of duty for southern region operations, a flight crew operating without prior experience flying together began an approach under conditions of significant navigational error. The crew lost awareness of the aircraft's actual position and operated under the false impression that they were receiving radar services from air traffic control.
During the descent, the crew failed to follow the published procedures outlined in the approach charts, instead maintaining a cruise airspeed and an excessive altitude. Believing the aircraft was positioned south of the airport, the crew initiated a turn toward the north to intercept the ILS runway 05 approach. However, the aircraft had actually intercepted the back course localizer signal. The flight continued a controlled descent until it struck the terrain.
Findings
- The crew lacked situational awareness regarding the aircraft's location.
- The pilots incorrectly believed they were under radar monitoring.
- The approach was conducted at an improper altitude and speed, deviating from established procedures.
- The crew's failure to follow published approach procedures led to the interception of the back course localizer.
As a result of the impact, there were three fatalities (the captain and two passengers) and two serious injuries (the copilot and two passengers).