Fatal mountain impact during visual approach

4 fatalities • Palma de Mallorca, Spain • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft crashed into a mountainside 8 km from the runway while performing a visual approach, resulting in no survivors.

What happened

During a visual approach to runway 24, the flight crew failed to maintain an adequate altitude above the surrounding terrain. Approximately 8 km before reaching the runway, the aircraft collided with the slope of a mountain.

The impact forces were severe enough to result in the total destruction of the airframe. There were four fatalities among the occupants of the plane, with no survivors reported from the crash site.

Findings

Investigations into the accident determined that the crew did not recognize that the aircraft's altitude had become dangerously low during the final stages of the approach. The primary factor in the accident was controlled flight into terrain.

Probable cause

The crew failed to maintain sufficient altitude during a visual approach, leading to a collision with rising terrain.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1980-08-13 Learjet 35 accident near Palma de Mallorca, Spain?

An aircraft crashed into a mountainside 8 km from the runway while performing a visual approach, resulting in no survivors.

Were there any fatalities in the 1980-08-13 Learjet 35 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 4 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1980-08-13 involved a Learjet 35, registration EC-DFA, operated by Spantax, at Palma de Mallorca, Spain.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The crew failed to maintain sufficient altitude during a visual approach, leading to a collision with rising terrain.

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