Investigation Summary
Flight 954 was a domestic scheduled service from Crete to Athens. During the approach to Athens-Ellinikon International Airport, the region was experiencing heavy rain and high winds. Despite the poor visibility and weather conditions, the crew attempted an ILS approach. During this procedure, the aircraft strayed from the intended flight path and descended prematurely. The Douglas DC-6B, named 'Isle of Corfu', impacted the slopes of Mount Paneio near Keratea. The impact occurred at an altitude of roughly 2,000 feet. At the time, it was the deadliest aviation disaster in Greek history, a record that stood until the Helios Airways crash in 2005. It remains the deadliest accident involving the Douglas DC-6 airframe.
Final Conclusions
The official investigation concluded that the primary cause was the flight crew's failure to maintain the proper track and altitude. By descending below the minimum safe altitude (MSA) while off-course during the approach, the crew inadvertently flew the aircraft into terrain. The adverse weather conditions, including rain and wind, likely contributed to the crew's navigational difficulties.
Video Analysis
No video analysis linked for this case file yet.
Systems & Failure Modes
Instrument Landing System (ILS)
The navigation system the crew was using to align with the runway; they deviated from the prescribed path.
Landing Gear
The undercarriage was found to be in the retracted position at the moment of impact.
Interesting Facts
- 01The accident was the deadliest in Greek history for 36 years.
- 02It remains the deadliest accident involving a Douglas DC-6.
- 03The aircraft was named 'Isle of Corfu'.
- 04All 90 occupants, including 85 passengers and 5 crew, perished.
Safety Actions & Advisories
Minimum Safe Altitude Adherence
The accident reinforced the critical importance of strict adherence to Minimum Safe Altitudes (MSA), especially during instrument approaches in mountainous terrain and poor weather.