Aircraft Crash into the Sea Near Athens-Ellinikon Airport (SX-BBQ)

Incident Overview and Flight Phase The aircraft departed Kerkyra Airport and completed an uneventful flight before the crew initiated descent in poor weather conditions and limited visibility due to nighttime operations. During the final approach in stormy weather, the airplane struck the water surface and crashed into the sea approximately 5 kilometers offshore. ## Casualties and Recovery A total of 16 occupants were rescued from the water. Thirty-seven other occupants, including a crew member, were killed. The wreckage sank to a depth of 12 meters. It was recovered the following day and brought back onto the beach. ## Official Findings The official investigation stated that the exact cause of the accident remains undetermined. However, it was believed to be the consequence of a controlled flight into terrain, specifically the water surface, while approaching Athens-Ellinikon Airport in limited visibility due to night and poor weather conditions.