What happened
During an approach to Phnom Penh-Pochentong Airport, the flight crew encountered significant weather challenges characterized by heavy rainfall and reduced visibility. Because the crew could not visually identify the runway, the captain performed a go-around procedure.
During a subsequent attempt to land, the aircraft descended below the glide path and passed the minimum descent altitude. Despite receiving warnings from air traffic control, the co-pilot, and the flight engineer regarding the insufficient altitude, the captain did not adjust the descent. The aircraft subsequently collided with palm trees and entered a stall, crashing into a rice paddy field situated approximately 300 meters short of the runway.
Findings
- The aircraft descended below the required altitude during the second approach.
- The captain failed to respond to altitude warnings from the crew and air traffic control.
- The accident resulted in 65 fatalities and one injury involving a young child.