Fatal Mountain Collision Near Barcelona (G-AMZD)

Accident Overview and Impact Location Nineteen minutes after departing Barcelona Airport, the aircraft was cruising at an altitude of 5,600 feet when it entered clouds and collided with the slope of Mt Montseny. The mountain, which has an elevation of 1,712 meters, is situated approximately 60 kilometers northeast of Barcelona-El Prat Airport. The impact destroyed the aircraft and resulted in the deaths of all 32 people on board, including 28 British students and one teacher. ## Deviation and Weather Conditions At the time of the accident, the aircraft had deviated approximately 16 kilometers from the prescribed departure route out of Barcelona. The source indicates this deviation probably resulted from a navigation error by the crew. The mountain was shrouded in clouds, and visibility was nil when the aircraft impacted the terrain. ## Official Findings and Case Closure The official investigation concluded that the accident was caused by an infringement of the regulations and instructions in force for flight over national territory or of the international standards in force in Spain. The evidence did not indicate any failure by Spanish Air Traffic personnel in the performance of their duties, nor any defect in air navigation aids. Consequently, the Air Minister resolved to close the case without allocating responsibility.