Night Approach Accident at Athens-Ellinikon (ST-ALX)

Incident Overview and Impact Location The descent to Athens-Ellinikon began at night under marginal weather conditions, with mist present. During the approach, the captain told air traffic control that the aircraft was established on the ILS for runway 33R. The captain then realized something was wrong and initiated a go-around. The decision was too late, and the aircraft struck the slope of Mt Hymettus, which is 2,000 feet high and located 4.8 km southeast of the airport. The aircraft disintegrated on impact, and all seven occupants were killed. ## Official Probable Cause The official findings state that the captain decided to initiate the approach to Athens Airport under VFR mode while visibility was limited. It was determined that the aircraft was not established on the ILS for runway 33R at the time of the accident. The aircraft deviated from the prescribed approach path following a wrong approach configuration on part of the crew, who failed to comply with published approach procedures.