What happened
During a nighttime approach to Bahrain, an aircraft known as 'Ciel de Gascogne' struck the water surface of the Persian Gulf. The impact occurred only a few hundred yards from the threshold of runway 29. Following the crash, rescue teams reached the site approximately four hours after the incident.
Of the total occupants on board, the rescue efforts successfully saved three crew members and ten passengers. However, the accident resulted in 40 fatalities.
Findings
The investigation determined that the pilot in command failed to implement the necessary timed approach procedures required for the existing environmental conditions. Specifically, after descending to an altitude of 300 feet, the pilot did not take the required steps to hold that altitude until the runway lights were clearly visible.
Additional contributing factors included the lack of adequate radio landing aids and suitable runway approach lighting at the Bahrain airport at the time of the accident. The primary cause was identified as the failure of the pilot in command to follow timed approach procedures relative to the prevailing visibility and equipment limitations.