What happened
During a nighttime approach, the flight crew executed a descent from 1,200 meters to 500 meters. While performing a final turn on the approach path, the aircraft collided with trees and crashed within a forested region situated approximately 4,750 meters before reaching the runway. The debris field was located 735 meters to the left of the extended centerline. The accident resulted in six fatalities (comprising both pilots and four passengers) and eight injuries.
Findings
Investigators were unable to establish a definitive cause for the crash, but several critical factors were identified during the inquiry:
- The crew likely experienced a distraction during the final stages of the approach.
- Poor visibility conditions at night contributed to the difficulty of the maneuver.
- The aircraft was not correctly aligned with the intended approach path.
- Standard published approach procedures were not followed by the flight crew.
- A failure to pass over the outer marker led to an unstable and erratic flight trajectory.
- The crew members had swapped their assigned seats, with the captain occupying the right front seat and the copilot in the left, which is against operational regulations.
- The radio altimeter alarm did not activate because of incorrect instrument settings.
- Immediately prior to impact, the aircraft entered a steep bank of 48 degrees and a nose-down pitch of 24 degrees.