Sequence of Events
Eighteen seconds after initiating the takeoff roll, having covered 360 meters and reached a speed of 150 km/h, the copilot identified a problem with the nose gear and inquired whether the rudder and elevators were unlocked. At that moment, the captain determined that a takeoff was not feasible and ordered the abandonment of the takeoff procedure. Engine power was reduced and emergency braking was applied. At this point, the aircraft was 215 km/h and 300 meters from the runway end. A further 18 seconds elapsed from the copilot's remark. Unable to stop within the remaining distance, the airplane overran the runway, rolled for an additional 540 meters, struck an embankment, and came to rest in flames against trees.
Aftermath
Seven passengers were killed, and twelve occupants sustained injuries. The aircraft was partially destroyed by a post-crash fire.
Probable Cause
The official investigation stated: "It is believed that control column was blocked and a take-off was impossible in such conditions. Various technical investigations could not precisely determine the causes of this anomaly which could be consecutive either to a human error or to the malfunction of the system as a result of the presence of corrosion on connectors, which would affect the alarm of the locking system. The decision to abort the takeoff procedure was taken too late, which was considered as a contributing factor."