Investigation Summary
The flight was an international multi-leg service originating in Zurich, with its first stopover in Geneva before proceeding to Athens. During the approach to Athens, the crew was cleared for a visual landing on runway 15L. The runway surface was wet from recent rainfall, and the crew had been advised that braking action was medium to poor. The investigation highlighted that the aircraft was not stabilized during the final approach, leading to a high-speed touchdown nearly a third of the way down the runway. The subsequent failure to aggressively apply braking systems meant the aircraft could not stop within the remaining 2,240 meters of pavement. The accident gained significant attention due to the cargo on board, which included over 1,000 pounds of radioactive isotopes and industrial diamonds valued at over $2 million. While most of the diamonds were recovered, they were rendered worthless by the intense heat of the fire. The 14 fatalities were all located in rows 21 through 26, succumbing to smoke inhalation and fire.
Final Conclusions
The official investigation concluded the primary causes were a late touchdown at higher-than-normal speed following a non-stabilized approach, and the crew's failure to fully apply wheel brakes and reverse thrust under known adverse conditions. A dissenting member of the Accident Investigation Committee further emphasized that the crew failed to realize their excessive speed and distance, and specifically noted their failure to follow company-recommended techniques for landing when braking action is less than good.
Video Analysis
No video analysis linked for this case file yet.
Airframe & Maintenance
Crew Experience
Captain
Fritz Schmutz
First Officer
Martin Deuringer
Systems & Failure Modes
Wheel Brakes
The primary deceleration system; investigators found the crew failed to fully utilize maximum braking pressure during the landing roll.
Reverse Thrust
Engine systems used to redirect thrust forward to aid deceleration; the crew failed to apply full reverse thrust at the proper stage of the landing roll.
Interesting Facts
- 01The aircraft was carrying 1,000 pounds of radioactive isotopes and a small amount of plutonium.
- 02The plutonium was carried in the luggage of one of the doctors on board and was briefly missing after the crash.
- 03Over $2 million worth of industrial diamonds bound for Bombay were destroyed by the fire's heat.
- 04100 of the passengers were doctors traveling to a medical convention in China.
- 05The touchdown occurred 740 meters beyond the displaced threshold, leaving insufficient distance to stop on the wet runway.
- 06All 14 fatalities occurred among passengers seated in rows 21 to 26.
- 07The 154 souls on board consisted of 142 passengers and 12 crew members.
Safety Actions & Advisories
Crew Training Review
The investigation emphasized the necessity of following company-recommended techniques for landing in 'less than good' braking conditions.
Known Controversies & Unanswered Questions
Dissenting Investigator Opinion
Reference ↗One member of the Accident Investigation Committee issued a separate opinion, placing greater emphasis on the crew's failure to realize their speed and distance and their specific deviation from company poor-braking-action techniques.