Aviation Accident: Low Approach and Ground Collision at Nicosia (HB-ITB)

Flight Details and Approach Sequence The aircraft was operating a non-scheduled flight from Bangkok to Base1, with scheduled stops at Colombo, Bombay, and Cairo. It departed Bombay for Cairo on 19 April at 1312 GMT, carrying 11 hours and 10 minutes of fuel endurance against an estimated 9-hour flight time. The planned arrival in Cairo was 2212 GMT, with Beirut designated as the alternate airport. At 2215 GMT, the aircraft attempted to contact Nicosia, but two-way VHF communication was not established until 2234 GMT due to distance and altitude. A message from Beirut advised Nicosia that the aircraft had entered the Nicosia FIR and reported over position Red 18A at 2229 GMT. Actual weather conditions at Nicosia for 2145 and 2245 GMT were transmitted to the aircraft at 2238 and 2254 GMT, respectively, with the latter repeated by Approach Control at 2300 GMT. The aircraft overflew the field at 2306 GMT and was cleared for a right-hand circuit. At 2310 GMT, while over the threshold of runway 32, the aircraft was slightly high, and the captain elected to overshoot. He informed the tower and was cleared for a left-hand circuit, stating he would conduct a low circuit. The controller briefly observed the aircraft during final approach, with its landing lights visible through low cloud as it passed over the runway in use before disappearing over the upwind end in low cloud to the northwest. ## Collision and Casualties On the second landing attempt during the low circuit, the aircraft struck the ground at 0113 local time, 3.5 km short of the runway threshold. One crew member and three passengers sustained serious injuries, while 126 other occupants were killed. The aircraft was completely destroyed by impact forces and a post-crash fire.