Part 4/8:
Due to a lack of vigilance, the first officer mistakenly set the aircraft to descend from an altitude far too early while simultaneously managing the navigation on his own. This was a critical breach in procedure, especially in an area surrounded by rugged terrain, as they were still required to remain above a minimum altitude until reaching a specific point in their approach.
A Deviation into Danger
As the aircraft descended below the required altitude, the captain became aware of the altitude discrepancy. However, rather than promptly rectifying the situation, a series of miscommunications and conflicting actions ensued. The first officer, while now operating without consultation, was under pressure and initiated his descent toward Niš, unaware of the impending danger.