Background
The aircraft was operating a regularly scheduled flight from Kathmandu-Tribhuvan Airport to Lukla-Tenzing-Hillary Airport. Departure occurred at 0651 local time.
Approach and Accident
Upon arrival at Lukla, the flight crew initiated an approach to runway 06. Weather conditions included fog, which significantly reduced visibility. The captain did not achieve any visual reference with the ground during the approach. Despite this, the approach was continued. While on short final, the aircraft struck a rock and crashed just below the threshold of runway 06. The impact caused the aircraft to burst into flames.
Casualties
The captain sustained serious injuries. The remaining 18 individuals on board, comprising 12 German, 2 Australian, and 5 Nepalese nationals, were killed.
Probable Cause
According to the official investigation, the accident was attributed to controlled flight into terrain. The determining factor was the captain's decision to continue the approach under visual flight rules (VFR) in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC).