Accident Details
While approaching Damascus International Airport at night under excellent weather conditions, the crew failed to realize that the aircraft's altitude was insufficient. The airplane struck the ground at an altitude of 605 meters above mean sea level and crashed in flames in a desert area approximately 18 kilometers from the airport.
Rescue and Casualties
Rescue teams arrived on the scene about 30 minutes after the crash. Two passengers, both Syrian citizens, were rescued. All 126 other occupants were killed. Among the deceased were 67 Czechs, 55 Syrians, 3 Poles, and one East German.
Weather Conditions
At the time of the accident, weather conditions were ideal with good visibility despite the night, and wind from 230° at 10 knots.
Probable Cause
The exact cause of the accident could not be determined with certainty. However, it is believed that the accident may have been caused by a wrong altimeter setting after the crew mixed QNH and QFE values.