Accident Sequence
While descending for runway 24 on an NBD approach, the flight crew encountered poor weather conditions including limited visibility of 3 kilometers, a cloud ceiling at 1,500 feet, and rain. Unable to visually acquire the runway, the pilot-in-command initiated a go-around. Several minutes later, on a second landing attempt, the aircraft touched down approximately 2,060 feet past the runway threshold. Runway 24 has a length of 5,000 feet. The touchdown speed was 148 knots.
Immediately after touchdown, the crew activated the thrust reversers and deployed the spoilers. However, the airplane was unable to stop on the wet runway and overran the end. It then descended a steep embankment, collided with a stone bridge, broke into several pieces, and came to rest in flames on a beach located about 40 meters below the airfield elevation. The aircraft was totally destroyed by impact forces and a subsequent post-crash fire.
Fatalities and Injuries
Six crew members and 125 passengers were killed. Thirty-three other occupants sustained serious injuries.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause findings stated: "The accident was the consequence of the combination of the following contributing factors: - Very unfavorable weather conditions at the time of landing, - Possible existence of conditions for hydroplaning, - Landing at a speed of Vref + 19 knots, - Landing long with a too long flare, - Sudden directional correction after touchdown on the runway."