Accident Overview
On a scheduled flight from Nicosia to Ankara with an intermediate stop in Adana, an aircraft crashed while approaching Ankara Esenboga Airport. No mechanical difficulties were reported during the flight.
Approach and Crash
While approaching Ankara, the aircraft descended from flight level 165 to flight level 90, was cleared to land, and reported to Esenboga Tower. At 1801Z, the pilot reported leaving the Ankara radio range. One minute later, the aircraft crashed and burned.
Casualties and Survivors
The accident resulted in fatal injuries to 4 crew members and 24 passengers. One passenger survived the accident with minor injuries.
Accident Site
The accident site was located 18 km from the left side of the extended centerline of runway 03.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined the probable cause: during the approach to the airport, the aircraft was not in the normal pattern and was below the normal altitude.