What happened
During a ferry flight originating from Berlin-Schönefeld Airport, an aircraft was performing an approach to runway 31L at Budapest-Ferihegy Airport under conditions of heavy fog. The visibility was significantly restricted, with horizontal visibility measured at 300 meters and vertical visibility at only 30 meters.
As the aircraft reached the short final stage of its approach, it struck the ground approximately 1,360 meters before reaching the threshold of runway 31L, landing roughly 120 meters to the left of the centerline. Following the impact, a fire broke out at the crash site. There were nine fatalities among the crew members on board.
Findings
Investigation into the accident suggests that the crew experienced significant spatial disorientation due to the low visibility. It is believed that the crew misidentified apron lights as runway lights. During the 27 seconds leading up to the impact, the pilot-in-command made four separate decisions, eventually attempting a go-around procedure after the aircraft had already made contact with the ground.