What happened
During a repositioning flight originating from Douglas, Isle of Man, and bound for Düsseldorf, an aircraft was conducting its descent toward Lohausen Airport. While the flight crew had been granted authorization to execute an ILS approach, the captain opted to transition to a visual approach instead. This decision was made despite marginal weather conditions that significantly limited visibility.
As the aircraft progressed on final approach, it descended below the required altitude and struck trees located approximately 5 km from the runway threshold. The impact resulted in the destruction of the aircraft and the deaths of all three crew members.
Findings
Investigations into the accident determined that the primary factor was an incorrect approach configuration by the pilot in command. The crew continued the descent without maintaining sufficient visual references to the ground or runway environment, leading the aircraft to descend below the glide path during periods of low visibility.