Part 3/8:
The crew followed standard operational procedures, engaging in pre-flight checks, discussing potential challenges, and briefing cabin crew. The aircraft was an Airbus A320, which, despite its advanced navigational systems, requires disciplined oversight due to the complexity of its operations. However, as the flight proceeded, errors began to compound, leading to a dangerous descent towards mountainous terrain.
Errors Begin to Snowball
Initially, the flight appeared to be proceeding normally, but once they began their descent toward Niš following an updated arrival clearance, the pilots failed to brief the new approach properly. Instead, they hastily entered the new arrival procedure into the flight management computer—a critical point where things began to go awry.