Incident Overview
A four-engine aircraft operating a flight from Cairo to Nicosia was destroyed when it struck the slope of Mount Kyrenia during a night approach to Nicosia Airport. The aircraft impacted at an altitude of 2,600 feet, approximately 16 kilometers from the threshold of runway 14. The wreckage was located 117 meters below the mountain's summit. All 37 persons on board were killed.
Circumstances
The crew failed to realize that their altitude was insufficient while approaching the airport. The aircraft, which was inbound from Cairo, was flying at night when it collided with terrain. The accident occurred on the slope of Mount Kyrenia, a prominent geographical feature near the airport.
Investigation Findings
The official investigation determined the probable cause of the accident to be controlled flight into terrain.