Investigation Summary
Flight 835 was a multi-leg domestic service originating in Cyprus and bound for Istanbul, with scheduled stops in Adana and Ankara. The aircraft involved, TC-TAY, was nearly new, having logged only 111 airframe hours since its manufacture earlier that year. During the final leg toward Ankara, the crew reported leaving the Ankara radio range, but just one minute later, the aircraft struck a hill. The wreckage was located on Karanlıktepe, approximately 18 kilometres (11 mi) short of the runway. The impact killed all four crew members and 24 of the 25 passengers. Notable victims included ten members of the Heidelberg University Department of Ancient History, including professors Jacques Moreau and Hans Schaefer.
Final Conclusions
The official investigation concluded that the probable cause was the aircraft's deviation from the standard approach procedure. Specifically, the aircraft was not in the normal flying pattern and was maintained at an altitude well below the minimums designated for that phase of the flight. The report did not identify any mechanical failures that would have contributed to the descent into terrain.
Video Analysis
No video analysis linked for this case file yet.
Airframe & Maintenance
Systems & Failure Modes
Radio Range Navigation
The primary navigational aid used by the crew to track their position relative to the airport before beginning the final descent.
Interesting Facts
- 01The aircraft was brand new, with only 111 total airframe hours.
- 02The crash occurred approximately 18 km short of the runway at Karanlıktepe.
- 03Among the fatalities were two prominent historians from Heidelberg University.
- 04The flight was a multi-leg journey that had previously stopped at Adana.
Safety Actions & Advisories
Approach Procedure Adherence
Following the accident, emphasis was placed on strict adherence to standard instrument approach patterns and minimum sector altitudes for Esenboğa International Airport to prevent premature descent in hilly terrain.