What happened
While operating a flight from Tallinn to Kärdla, the crew received the most recent meteorological report for Kärdla Airport. The weather at the time of the report indicated snow, an overcast ceiling of 1,200 feet, and winds from 020° at 24 knots. Approximately one minute after receiving this information, the crew was authorized to descend to 1,400 feet, an altitude they confirmed while 11 km from the destination.
The aircraft, an unspecified aircraft type, was maintaining a heading of 240° toward the OZ NDB beacon, which served as the Final Approach Fix (FAF) located roughly 4 km from the runway threshold. As the plane approached the FAF, the crew began a gradual turn toward the runway at a distance of approximately 2.5 km from the fix. During this maneuver, the aircraft struck trees approximately 1,500 meters before reaching the runway threshold and crashed in a forested region. The impact resulted in the total destruction of the aircraft. The accident resulted in two fatalities and 15 injuries, with several individuals sustaining serious harm.
Findings
- The aircraft was flying in snowy conditions with low cloud ceilings.
- The descent and turn toward the runway were initiated prior to reaching the Final Approach Fix.