Accident Overview
An aircraft operating an uneventful flight from Helsinki-Vantaa Airport experienced a fatal accident during a night approach to Seinäjoki-Ilmajoki Airport. The aircraft was destroyed upon impact, and no fire ensued. Both pilots and four passengers were killed, while six other occupants sustained injuries.
Sequence of Events
On short final approach, the crew failed to realize that the aircraft's altitude was too low. The aircraft struck trees, entered a stall, and subsequently crashed in a wooded area located 800 meters short of runway 32.
Meteorological Conditions
At the time of the accident, the runway visual range (RVR) for runway 32 was 1,200 meters, and the vertical visibility was 300 feet.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined that the immediate cause of the accident was the decision to continue the NDB approach in difficult visibility circumstances. The aircraft descended below the minimum altitude without the required visual contact with approach lights or the runway. Contributory factors included the airline's poor safety culture resulting from performance pressures, which were highlighted by the pilot due to his personality structure.