What happened
On the day of the incident, flight MA262, traveling from Budapest to Thessaloniki, was operated by a Tupolev TU-154B-2 after the originally scheduled Boeing 737-300 (HA-LES) was unavailable due to mechanical issues. During the arrival phase, the crew was cleared for a VOR/DME approach to runway 34, with instructions to perform a visual circle to land on runway 28 because runway 34 was closed for construction.
Due to a Boeing 757 delaying its exit from the runway, air traffic control instructed the crew to extend their downwind leg for runway 28. However, the crew did not follow this instruction and instead performed an 'S' maneuver. While on final approach, the tower controller notified the crew that the landing gear had not been lowered. Although the captain increased engine power to attempt a go-around, the aircraft continued its descent and struck the runway surface in a gear-up configuration at 1657LT.
Despite the impact, the crew successfully executed a go-around and entered a holding pattern. The aircraft landed safely at 1715LT. While there were 0 fatalities and 0 injuries among the 94 occupants, the aircraft sustained damage so severe that it was declared a total loss.
Findings
- The crew failed to comply with air traffic control instructions regarding the extension of the downwind leg.
- The landing gear was not deployed prior to the aircraft making contact with the runway surface.