What happened
During a nighttime approach to Sofia-Vrazhdebna Airport, an aircraft encountered significantly reduced visibility caused by ongoing snowfall. While on short final for the runway, the flight crew descended beneath the established glide path. During this descent, the plane collided with several power cables and the tops of trees. The impact occurred approximately 4 km before reaching the runway threshold, causing the aircraft to crash into a wooded area. Upon impact, the wreckage caught fire, leading to the total destruction of the airframe.
All 50 fatalities were recorded among the occupants of the aircraft.
Findings
Investigations concluded that the primary factor in the accident was the crew's decision to proceed with the approach below the glide slope without maintaining visual contact with the runway environment prior to striking obstacles.