Incident
A twin-engine aircraft, operating a flight from Athens to Larisa, was diverted to Kozani due to the closure of its intended destination. The crew had been informed by air traffic control that Larisa Airport was closed to traffic because of poor weather conditions.
Descent and Impact
As the aircraft descended toward Kozani Airport, it encountered poor weather conditions. At an altitude of 4,265 feet, the airplane struck the slope of a mountain located approximately 25 km south of the airfield. The mountain was shrouded by clouds at the time, and visibility was limited to 20 metres.
Aftermath
The impact caused the aircraft to disintegrate. All 50 occupants on board were killed.
Investigation
The official investigation determined that the probable cause of the accident was controlled flight into terrain following a premature descent on the part of the pilot-in-command.