Accident Overview
While descending to Van-Ferit Melen Airport, the crew encountered poor weather conditions with limited visibility due to heavy snowfall. The crew conducted a VOR/DME approach to runway 03 but was unable to establish visual contact with the runway and initiated a go-around.
Flight History
Due to the general conditions at the destination, the captain decided to return to Ankara but eventually attempted a second approach. Minutes later, as visibility dropped to 300 metres, the crew was forced to initiate a second go-around. During the third approach, the crew failed to realize the altitude was too low. The aircraft struck a snow-covered hill 70 metres high located about 4 km from the runway 03 threshold and crashed.
Casualties and Damage
Five crew members and 52 passengers were killed, while 19 other occupants were seriously injured. The aircraft was destroyed.
Weather Conditions
At the time of the accident, visibility was below minimums.