What happened
During the final approach phase toward Medan-Polonia Airport, the crew encountered hazardous meteorological conditions characterized by heavy rainfall, significant turbulence, and thunderstorm activity. As the aircraft type descended, it became unstable and experienced a loss of altitude. In an attempt to recover the lost height, the pilot applied additional engine power; however, the aircraft subsequently collided with a television antenna.
Following the impact with the antenna, the plane entered a stall and crashed into an adjacent field, where the wreckage ignited. The accident resulted in 23 fatalities and left 22 injuries among the occupants of the flight.
Findings
Investigations into the accident determined that the primary reason for the loss of control during the final approach was the presence of windshear and microburst activity within the storm cells.