Incident Details
An aircraft was completing its descent to Prague-Ruzyne Airport in marginal weather conditions with limited visibility. During the final approach, the airplane was too high on the glide path, and the crew decided to continue the approach.
Sequence of Events
At a height of about 5 meters, the crew deployed the spoilers and reduced engine power, causing the airplane to descend abruptly. The aircraft struck the runway surface with a positive acceleration of 4 g and broke in two before coming to rest in the center of the runway.
Occupant Status
All 81 occupants were evacuated from the aircraft. Among them, 40 sustained injuries. The aircraft itself was damaged beyond repair.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined the probable cause to be: wrong approach configuration on part of the flying crew who decided to continue the approach, against published procedures. The captain failed to initiate a go-around maneuver.