What happened
During the descent toward runway 22 at Bratislava-Ivanka-Milan Rastislav Štefánik Airport, the flight crew implemented an incorrect approach configuration. The aircraft descended at a rate of 22 m/s, significantly exceeding the intended 10 m/s, which led to an unstable approach as speeds fluctuated between 435 and 225 km/h. During this phase, the flaps were moved directly from the zero position to the full down position, causing a loss of airspeed.
While flying below 1,000 meters, reverse thrust was engaged on engines number 2 and 3. During these maneuvers, engine number 3 experienced a failure. Amidst the resulting complications, the crew accidentally feathered the propeller on engine number 4. Approximately 50 meters above the runway threshold during the final segment, the captain decided to execute a go-around.
As the aircraft climbed to 40 meters and began a right turn, engine number 4 was restarted. However, the plane rolled to the right, entered a stall, and impacted Zlaté piersky Lake, located roughly one kilometer short of the runway 13 threshold. The accident resulted in 75 fatalities and 4 survivors, though one survivor later succumbed to their injuries.
Findings
Investigations concluded that the primary cause was an incorrect approach configuration resulting from the crew's failure to adhere to approved procedures. Several contributing factors were identified, including:
- Inadequate planning for the approach
- Deficiencies in crew coordination and flight supervision
- An unstable approach profile
- The mechanical failure of engine number 3
- The activation of reverse thrust at an unsafe altitude
- The accidental feathering of the propeller on engine number 4
- Improper decision-making by the captain during the maneuver