Accident Summary
On final approach to Zurich-Kloten Airport, the crew encountered marginal weather conditions. The approach controller twice informed the crew about their insufficient altitude, but the pilot's responses were indistinct. At that time, the aircraft was approximately 1,500 feet below the minimum descent altitude.
Sequence of Events
While on final approach, the airplane hit the ground, lost its left wing, and crashed in a field located 1,500 meters short of runway 14 threshold. The accident occurred at night with reduced visibility due to bad weather.
Casualties and Damage
Among the occupants, 37 were unhurt, six passengers sustained injuries, and a three-year-old girl (Mrs. Delsaux) was killed. The aircraft was destroyed.
Probable Cause
According to the official investigation, the probable cause was that the flight crew, apparently to maintain visual contact with the ground, decided to descend below the glide path, passing below the minimum descent altitude. The approach was then completed at an insufficient height until the final impact with the ground, in violation of published procedures. Poor visibility due to night and marginal weather conditions was considered as a contributory factor.