Investigation Summary
The flight was on a non-precision approach to Runway 22 at Colombo. During the descent, the crew failed to monitor their altitude effectively while dealing with heavy rain and downdrafts. The aircraft descended below the minimum descent altitude (MDA) without having the runway in sight. The Sri Lankan authorities concluded that the crew failed to conform to established approach procedures, while Icelandic authorities pointed toward deficiencies in the airport's ground equipment and weather reporting.
Final Conclusions
The primary cause was the flight crew's failure to conform to standard approach procedures, specifically descending below the minimum descent altitude. Contributing factors included the crew's failure to monitor instruments and the presence of severe downdrafts during a thunderstorm.
Video Analysis
No video analysis linked for this case file yet.
Systems & Failure Modes
Altimeter
The crew failed to cross-check barometric altimeters during the final stages of the descent.
Ground Proximity Warning System (GPWS)
The aircraft was not equipped with a GPWS, which might have alerted the crew to the low altitude.
Interesting Facts
- 01The flight was a charter carrying Indonesian Muslim pilgrims returning from the Hajj.
- 02It remains the deadliest aviation accident involving an Icelandic airline.
- 03The aircraft was leased from Seaboard World Airlines but operated by Loftleiðir crew.
- 0479 people survived the initial impact and subsequent fire.
- 05The airport's Instrument Landing System (ILS) was reportedly not operational at the time.
Safety Actions & Advisories
Approach Procedure Standardization
Recommendations were made to tighten cockpit discipline and adherence to MDAs during non-precision approaches.
Infrastructure Improvements
The accident highlighted the need for improved radar and landing aids at Bandaranaike International Airport.