What happened
During an approach toward Titograd-Golubovci Airport, the flight crew received clearance to reduce their altitude from 9,000 feet down to 6,000 feet. While operating in marginal weather conditions, the aircraft collided with the terrain on the slope of Mt Babin Zub, situated approximately 55 km north of the airport. The impact resulted in the total destruction of the plane and caused 41 fatalities, leaving no survivors among the occupants.
Findings
Investigations into the accident identified that the primary cause was controlled flight into terrain. The crew initiated a descent to an unsafe altitude before it was appropriate. Additionally, reduced visibility due to the prevailing weather conditions served as a contributing factor to the collision with the mountain.