Investigation Summary
The flight was a routine scheduled service from Thessaloniki to Samos. As the aircraft approached the island of Samos, the weather conditions were poor, with low clouds obscuring the mountainous terrain. Despite these Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC), the crew attempted to maintain Visual Flight Rules (VFR). During the maneuver for an approach to runway 09, the aircraft deviated approximately 4 nautical miles from the H-59 airway. This deviation placed the aircraft on a direct collision course with Mount Kerkis, the highest point on the island. The aircraft struck the mountain near its peak at an altitude of approximately 1,430 meters at 13:43 local time. Search and rescue efforts were hampered by the rugged terrain and weather, and no survivors were found among the 31 passengers and 3 crew members.
Final Conclusions
The accident was classified as Controlled Flight Into Terrain (CFIT). The primary cause was pilot error, specifically the decision to continue flight under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) into Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC) while operating in mountainous terrain. The crew's failure to maintain the prescribed airway and their loss of situational awareness regarding their proximity to Mount Kerkis led directly to the impact.
Video Analysis
No video analysis linked for this case file yet.
Airframe & Maintenance
Systems & Failure Modes
Visual Flight Rules (VFR)
A set of regulations under which a pilot operates an aircraft in weather conditions generally clear enough to allow the pilot to see where the aircraft is going.
Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC)
Weather conditions that require pilots to fly primarily by reference to instruments rather than by outside visual cues.
Interesting Facts
- 01This remains the deadliest accident involving the Shorts 330 aircraft type.
- 02The aircraft was named 'Isle of Milos'.
- 03The aircraft was manufactured in 1982.
- 04The aircraft's Manufacturer Serial Number (MSN) was SH.3083.
- 05The crash occurred 25 km West-North-West of Samos Airport.
- 06The aircraft deviated 4 nautical miles from the H-59 airway prior to impact.
- 07The impact site was near the summit of Mount Kerkis, which stands 1,430 meters high.
Safety Actions & Advisories
VFR in IMC Awareness
Source ↗The accident was used as a case study in the dangers of 'VFR into IMC' (Visual Flight Rules into Instrument Meteorological Conditions), emphasizing the necessity for flight crews to strictly adhere to instrument procedures when visibility falls below minimums, especially in mountainous terrain.