Aircraft crash near Ohrid Airport during diversion

116 fatalities • Ohrid, Macedonia • Landing (descent or approach)

A charter flight traveling from Geneva to Skopje crashed on Mount Trojani while attempting an approach to Ohrid Airport due to adverse weather conditions.

What happened

On an evening charter flight originating from Geneva-Cointrin Airport, a three-engine aircraft was transporting 108 passengers and 8 crew members toward Skopje. The passengers were primarily Kosovar citizens traveling from Switzerland for a winter holiday. During the descent toward Skopje-Brazda Airport, air traffic control advised the crew to divert to Ohrid due to heavy snowfall and poor visibility at their original destination.

While performing the final approach to Ohrid Airport, the aircraft encountered limited visibility. During this phase, the Ground Proximity Warning System (GPWS) activated for a duration of seven seconds, indicating the aircraft was at an insufficient altitude. The aircraft type subsequently struck treetops and crashed on the slope of Mt Trojani, which has an elevation of 1,204 meters, approximately 2 km from the airport. The accident resulted in 115 fatalities and one person sustained serious injuries. Although one individual survived the initial impact, they succumbed to their injuries several days later.

Findings

  • The crew diverted to an alternate airport due to inclement weather (snow) at the primary destination.
  • The crew failed to maintain a safe altitude during the approach in low visibility.

Probable cause

The crew failed to maintain sufficient altitude during a final approach in low visibility conditions.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1993-11-20 Yakovlev Yak-42 accident near Ohrid, Macedonia?

A charter flight traveling from Geneva to Skopje crashed on Mount Trojani while attempting an approach to Ohrid Airport due to adverse weather conditions.

Were there any fatalities in the 1993-11-20 Yakovlev Yak-42 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 116 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1993-11-20 involved a Yakovlev Yak-42, registration RA-42390, operated by Avioimpex, at Ohrid, Macedonia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The crew failed to maintain sufficient altitude during a final approach in low visibility conditions.

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