Accident Overview
An airplane crashed into houses while conducting an ILS approach to runway 05 at Birmingham Airport. The accident occurred as the flight crew attempted to land during thunderstorm activity.
Weather Information
The captain received an accurate weather briefing in Mobile, advising thunderstorms in the Birmingham area. Birmingham ATIS information Whiskey and Xray also accurately mentioned thunderstorms, and the flight crew heard these reports. Additionally, the approach controller informed the crew that the airport was experiencing thunderstorm activity.
Casualties
The captain and a passenger survived the crash. Thirteen other occupants were killed. There were no injuries on the ground.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause is the decision of the captain to initiate and continue an instrument approach into clearly identified thunderstorm activity, resulting in a loss of control of the airplane from which the flight crew was unable to recover and subsequent collision with obstacles and the terrain.