What happened
During a flight departing from Kerkyra Airport, the crew initiated their descent toward Athens-Ellinikon Airport under challenging meteorological conditions. The approach was conducted at night amidst stormy weather and significantly reduced visibility.
While on final approach, the aircraft type impacted the water surface. The impact occurred roughly 5 km away from the shoreline. Following the crash, the wreckage settled on the seabed at a depth of 12 meters. Emergency responders managed to recover the debris the following day, bringing it to the beach.
In terms of the human impact, the accident resulted in 37 fatalities, which included members of the crew. Despite the severity of the crash, rescue operations were successful in saving 16 occupants from the scene.
Findings
While an official determination regarding the precise origin of the accident has not been finalized, investigators point toward a controlled flight into terrain (specifically the water surface). This maneuver occurred while the aircraft was attempting to land during periods of poor visibility and inclement weather.