Incident Overview
An aircraft on approach to Berlin-Schönefeld Airport runway 25L completed the final approach with the autopilot engaged. According to standard procedures, the crew was expected to disengage the autopilot at an altitude of 120 meters. However, the captain decided to continue the approach with the autopilot active and used elevator inputs to counter the autopilot's commands.
Sequence of Events
During the last segment of the approach, the rate of descent increased to between 6 and 8 meters per second. The airplane subsequently struck the runway surface. Upon impact, the left wing was torn off. The aircraft, now out of control, veered off the runway and came to rest upside down in a grassy area approximately 400 meters from the initial point of impact.
Occupants and Injuries
All 74 occupants were evacuated from the aircraft. Eight of them sustained serious injuries.
Aircraft Damage
The aircraft was destroyed in the accident.
Official Findings
The probable cause, as stated in the official investigation, was a wrong approach configuration on the part of the flying crew, who completed the final approach with the autopilot activated and an excessive rate of descent.