Background
The flight from Bangkok to Phuket was uneventful. The crew began the descent to Phuket Airport at night under good weather conditions.
Approach Events
Four minutes after being cleared to descend to 3,000 feet, the pilot reported an inability to receive the DME signal. Air traffic control then asked if the crew wanted to conduct a VOR approach to runway 09. The captain declined this option and instead preferred to attempt a visual approach to runway 27.
Crash
While on final approach, the aircraft struck a hill approximately 800 feet in height, about 18 kilometers short of the runway. The impact destroyed the aircraft, and all 11 occupants were killed.
Probable Cause
The official investigation found the probable cause to be the crew's decision to continue the approach below the minimum descent altitude until the aircraft struck the ground.