What happened
During the final approach to runway 20 at Vigo Airport, the flight crew encountered heavy fog that restricted visibility to approximately 1,500 metres. While descending, the aircraft drifted below the established glide path. The left main landing gear made contact with a component of the approach lighting system situated roughly 100 metres before the runway threshold.
Following this impact, the aircraft touched down 50 metres short of the runway surface. The force of the landing caused the collapse of both main landing gears. The aircraft subsequently slid along the ground for a distance of about 580 metres, during which time the fuselage ignited. Despite the fire, all 116 occupants were successfully evacuated from the wreckage. The incident resulted in 21 injuries, and the aircraft was a total loss.
Findings
- The primary factor in the accident was the aircraft descending below the glide path during a period of low visibility.