Incident Overview
On final approach to Koh Samui Airport runway 35, the aircraft entered an area of heavy rainfall. The crew could not locate the runway, prompting the captain to initiate a go-around procedure.
Sequence of Events
With flaps fully extended, the crew increased engine power and began to gain altitude. The aircraft then rolled to the left to an angle of 75°, entered an uncontrolled descent, and crashed at a speed of 147 knots approximately 5 km short of the runway threshold. The aircraft disintegrated on impact. All 38 occupants were killed.
Probable Cause
The official investigation by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Committee of the Government of Thailand determined the probable cause to be the pilot experiencing spatial disorientation, which led to improper control of the aircraft. Contributing factors included flying into weather with little or no visual reference, channelized attention focusing on locating the airport without proper cross-checking, and poor cockpit coordination leading to loss of situational awareness.