Accident Overview
On approach to Frankfurt, the aircraft descended through poor weather conditions including light rain, an overcast ceiling at 1,500 feet, and few clouds at 300 feet. The crew reported their position over Staden beacon at 4,000 feet and later over Offenbach at 2,500 feet. For unknown reasons, the four-engine aircraft, named 'Koningin Juliana', descended too low, struck tree tops, and crashed in flames in a dense wooded area approximately 7 km northeast of the airport.
Fatalities and Injuries
The accident resulted in 45 fatalities. Additionally, one passenger and one crew member sustained serious injuries.
Weather
Weather conditions at the time included light rain, overcast skies at 1,500 feet, and a few clouds at 300 feet. Visibility was likely reduced, though specific visibility measurements were not provided.
Probable Cause
The official investigation stated: "The exact cause of the accident could not be determined with certainty. However, it is possible that the crew continued the approach below the minimum descent altitude to maintain a visual contact with the ground."