What happened
During a nighttime arrival at Seinäjoki-Ilmajoki Airport, an aircraft traveling from Helsinki-Vantaa Airport crashed in a forested region. While performing the short final phase of the approach, the aircraft descended into a treeline approximately 800 meters before reaching runway 32. The impact caused the plane to stall and crash.
There was no fire following the impact, though the aircraft was completely destroyed. The accident resulted in six fatalities, including both pilots and four passengers, while six other occupants sustained injuries. At the time of the incident, the runway visibility (RVR) was reported at 1,200 meters, with vertical visibility measured at 300 feet.
Findings
Investigations into the accident identified that the crew proceeded with an NDB approach despite challenging visibility conditions. The aircraft reached an altitude below the established minimums without the pilot establishing necessary visual contact with the runway or approach lights. Additionally, investigators noted that the decision to continue the approach in low visibility was a primary factor, alongside broader organizational issues regarding safety culture and performance pressures within the airline.