What happened
On a scheduled flight departing Geneva-Cointrin Airport at 12:20 local time, an aircraft carrying two passengers and three crew members was en route to Chambéry. The flight was intended to pick up more travelers before continuing to Riyadh. While performing an ILS approach toward runway 18 under generally favorable weather conditions, the aircraft began a descent.
During the final approach phase, the plane descended below the established glide slope and struck the surface of Lake Bourget approximately one kilometer before reaching the runway. The impact caused the aircraft to lose its tail section, and the wreckage subsequently sank to a depth of 33 meters. All five occupants managed to evacuate the cabin and enter the water, which was measured at 4° C. Among those on board, one crew member sustained a broken arm.
Findings
Investigations into the accident determined that the impact with the water occurred because the crew descended below the ILS glide slope. This maneuver took place within an area characterized by mist, which led to a loss of visual references. Additionally, the crew failed to initiate a missed approach despite the deteriorating situational awareness.