What happened
The incident occurred during the approach phase to Erfurt from the west. The pilot encountered deteriorating weather conditions characterized by heavy fog and significantly reduced visibility. While navigating these challenging conditions, the three-engine aircraft descended at an altitude that was too low for the terrain ahead. Consequently, the airframe struck trees in a wooded area near Tabarz, leading to a crash. The impact caused the aircraft to burst into flames, and the wreckage was located approximately 38 km southwest of Erfurt. The structure of the plane was destroyed by the forces of the impact and the subsequent post-crash fire. In total, 11 occupants were killed and four passengers sustained injuries.
Findings
Official investigations indicate that the pilot likely lost situational awareness while flying in dense fog. This loss of bearings is believed to have resulted in either a controlled flight into terrain or an uncontrolled descent into the ground.