Flight 869: Loss of Control in Severe Turbulence (SU-ALD)

Flight Details and Route Overview Flight 869 was a scheduled international service operating from Tokyo, Japan, to Cairo, United Arab Republic. The route included stops in Hong Kong, Bangkok, Bombay, and Bahrain, with a crew change completed at Bangkok. ## Approach and Communication Sequence The flight proceeded without incident until 2016 GMT, when the aircraft reported arriving over the Santa Cruz VOR at 7,000 feet. Controllers cleared the flight to descend to 4,000 feet over the VOR and requested information regarding the intended approach for runway 09. The crew initially indicated they would follow the ILS back beam procedure. ## Weather and Procedural Changes Santa Cruz approach advised that the ILS back beam was not flyable and suggested homing on the 270° radial of the VOR. The aircraft agreed to perform a VOR letdown for runway 09 and reported leaving 7,000 feet outbound over the sea on the 272° radial. At 2018, radar warned the flight that flying more than 6 or 7 miles west of the field would result in very heavy turbulence. The crew then requested permission to execute a left-hand procedure turn instead of the standard right-hand turn, which was granted. ## Final Moments and Crash At 2019, the flight commenced the procedure turn inbound. Radar advised the aircraft that it was 6 miles west-northwest of the field. The flight acknowledged this message and was not heard from again. During the turn in severe turbulence and heavy rain, the pilot lost control of the aircraft. The wreckage was later found in the sea 9 nautical miles west of Madh Island at approximately 2020 hours.