What happened
During an approach to Calcutta-Dum Dum Airport, the flight crew initiated a descent amidst significantly reduced visibility caused by dense fog. As the aircraft progressed along the final approach path, it maintained an altitude that was too low for the terrain. The aircraft subsequently struck treetops and impacted the ground, resulting in a post-crash fire. The accident occurred a short distance, estimated at a few hundred yards, before the runway threshold.
In the impact, there were 16 fatalities among the occupants, while one passenger sustained injuries.
Findings
Investigations indicated that the crew attempted to continue the approach at an inadequate altitude. It was determined that this low-altitude flight pattern was likely an attempt by the crew to maintain visual contact with the ground during the foggy conditions.