What happened
During an approach to Athens-Hellinikon Airport, a four-engine aircraft encountered severe weather, including heavy rain, turbulence, and thunderstorm activity. Due to an active thunderstorm located south of the destination airport, the crew initiated an ILS approach but adjusted their flight path toward the northeast, passing over the city of Keratea.
While maintaining an altitude of 2,000 feet with the landing gear still retracted, the aircraft collided with the slope of Mt Paneio, situated approximately 20 km southeast of Hellinikon Airport. The impact caused the aircraft to disintegrate. There were 90 fatalities and no survivors from the flight.
Findings
Investigations concluded that the crew was unable to identify the mountain terrain due to a combination of night conditions and low visibility brought on by the weather. Although the aircraft had deviated slightly from its intended track during the approach, the primary factor in the accident was controlled flight into terrain.