Incident Overview
Shortly after departing Barcelona Airport for Brussels, the crew reported technical difficulties to air traffic control during a night operation. Following this report, the flight was authorized to return for an emergency landing on Runway 07.
Approach and Deviation
The crew initiated the approach procedure, descending sequentially to 6,000 feet and then 3,000 feet. At 00:15 seconds into the final phase, the aircraft crossed the outer marker at an altitude of 1,500 feet while maintaining a speed of 170 knots. As the aircraft progressed to a distance of six kilometers from the runway threshold, it began to drift laterally to the right of the intended approach path.
Impact and Aftermath
Approximately one minute after the deviation commenced, the aircraft impacted the ground at a speed of 130 knots. The crash site was located in a palm grove situated 3.2 kilometers short of the runway threshold. A post-crash fire subsequently destroyed the airframe completely. Both members of the flight crew were killed in the accident.
Investigation Findings
Official investigations could not definitively identify the specific technical issues reported by the crew, though a partial failure of the left engine remained a possibility that was not excluded. The probable cause was attributed to an inappropriate descent angle during the approach under low visibility conditions. Contributing factors included potential crew fatigue resulting from a long duty period and the need for yaw compensation due to a possible left engine malfunction. These elements combined led to the aircraft deviating from the glide path and descending below the minimum descent altitude until ground impact.