Incident Description
On final approach to Belgrade-Surčin Airport, the flight crew encountered marginal weather conditions. Visibility was limited to 2,500 meters with patches of fog and 7/8 cloud cover at 1,500 meters. After losing visual contact with the ground, the pilot-in-command elected to continue the approach. The aircraft subsequently struck the ground 2,570 meters short of the runway threshold.
Impact and Damage
Upon impact, the undercarriage was torn off. The aircraft slid for several meters before coming to rest in flames. A post-crash fire ensued, which totally destroyed the aircraft.
Occupants and Injuries
All 50 occupants successfully evacuated the cabin. Four passengers sustained slight injuries. No other injuries were reported.
Probable Cause
According to official findings, the probable cause was a wrong approach configuration on the part of the flying crew, who decided to continue the approach below the minimum descent altitude in limited visibility after visual contact was lost with the ground.