Flight and Communications
The Caravelle departed Madrid-Barajas Airport at 08:30 GMT and proceeded to La Coruña Airport. At 09:14, the flight crew contacted La Coruña tower, reporting they were three minutes away. The controller informed them that weather at the airport was below minima and improvement would be slow. The crew decided to hold over Lima Romeo Alpha and later informed the tower they would make an approach down to minima to assess weather conditions before holding.
Multiple Approach Attempts
The controller activated the VASIS and, at 09:21, reported visibility of about 350 m, though he could not see the VASIS at the threshold of runway 22. The flight reported beginning the approach at 3,000 feet. At 09:23, visibility improved to 600 m, and at 09:24 the pilot stated he would attempt to land, was at 2,200 feet on approach, and had not yet entered clouds. At 09:28, ATC reported 800 m visibility but noted a light breeze was bringing fog back from the sea. The crew reported descending to minima but could not see the ground, so they began holding. At 09:32, they reported holding at 6,000 feet and requested updates on weather changes. At 09:34, visibility dropped to 400 m, and the VASIS was still visible. The crew made another approach attempt, reporting passing the LRA VOR at 09:36. The controller then stated the VASIS lights were no longer visible and fog had collected over the runway threshold, prompting the pilot to resume holding.
Final Approach and Crash
Weather gradually improved, and at 10:20 ATC reported horizontal visibility of 1,500 m and vertical visibility of 150 m, which improved to 250-300 m within three minutes. The pilot acknowledged and began an approach from 5,000 feet. At 10:31, the flight reported passing LRA again. At 10:32, they discontinued the approach, and six minutes later initiated another approach, reporting over LRA at 10:39. Shortly thereafter, the Caravelle contacted eucalyptus trees, struck the ground, and crashed onto several houses. The aircraft was totally destroyed, and none of the 85 occupants survived. There were no casualties on the ground.