What happened
During the final approach to Belgrade-Surčin Airport, the flight crew operated in challenging meteorological conditions characterized by fog patches and limited visibility of 2,500 meters. The cloud ceiling was reported at 1,500 meters with 7/8 coverage. During the descent, the pilot lost visual contact with the ground; however, the decision was made to proceed with the approach.
The aircraft subsequently struck the terrain approximately 2,570 meters short of the runway threshold. The force of the impact caused the undercarriage to detach from the airframe. Following the initial collision, the plane slid across the surface for several meters before a fire erupted, which ultimately led to the total destruction of the aircraft.
Despite the intensity of the post-crash fire, all 50 occupants successfully evacuated the cabin. The incident resulted in four injuries, involving passengers who sustained minor trauma.
Findings
Investigations into the accident concluded that the crew utilized an incorrect approach configuration. The primary factor was the decision to continue the descent below the minimum descent altitude after visual references to the ground could no longer be maintained in the low-visibility environment.