Controlled Flight Into Terrain During Night Approach in UAE (EY-85281)

Approach and Descent Sequence The aircraft entered UAE airspace after an uneventful flight and received clearance from Dubai air traffic control to descend successively to flight levels 170, 100, 060, and 025 via heading 190. While passing 3,460 feet, the crew was cleared to continue to 1,500 feet. At 1,800 feet, the aircraft entered an area of turbulence. The 1,500-foot level was reached 15 km from the threshold of runway 30. ## Final Approach and Impact For unknown reasons, the crew did not report passing 1,500 feet. The crew was then instructed to continue via heading 270 for the final approach to runway 30. In relatively limited visibility, the crew initiated a right turn at 400 km/h and lowered the landing gear. At 820 feet, an excessive angle-of-attack alarm sounded. The captain reduced pitch from 20° to 14°. A few seconds later, at 690 feet, the aircraft entered a second area of turbulence. The captain recognized that altitude was insufficient and requested increased engine power. The aircraft struck the ground and crashed 13 km short of the runway, bursting into flames. The aircraft disintegrated on impact. ## Casualties The copilot was the only survivor. The other 85 occupants were killed.