What happened
During an approach to Belgrade-Surcin Airport, the crew of the aircraft encountered severe weather, including rain and crosswinds reaching 25 knots. While performing the final descent, air traffic control notified the pilot that the flight was flying below the required glide path altitude. Due to heavy fog, the aircraft type struck trees and caught fire upon impact in a thick forest on the slopes of Mount Avala, approximately 20 km from the threshold of runway 30. The wreckage was located roughly 35 meters below the mountain's summit.
The flight was carrying a group of passengers, including several high-ranking officials and 15 veterans of World War II, who were traveling to Belgrade for commemorations regarding the 1944 Soviet Army offensive. There were 33 fatalities in the accident, with no survivors. The tragedy led to the immediate cancellation of all scheduled anniversary celebrations.
Findings
Investigations into the crash identified that the crew maintained their approach at an inadequate altitude. It is believed that this may have been caused by a malfunction or misreading of the altimeter. Contributing environmental factors included significantly reduced visibility caused by fog and challenging weather conditions characterized by heavy rain and strong winds.