Part 7/10:
The pilots continued their approach, but the turbulence was continuing to exert its influence. Landmark sightings—the visual cues that traditionally guide a pilot toward safety—remained obstructed. The mismanagement of altitude awareness coincided with rising anxiety levels, embodying the critical junction where aviation professionalism meets human error.
The failure to adhere to altitude checks compounded the pressure, leading the aircraft to descend below the minimum descent altitude (MDA). Despite the turbulence, both pilots pressed on, scrambling for control amidst a system blaring warning signs. When the ground came rushing up, the aircraft struck trees, which severely damaged both engines and led to enormous stress on the aircraft structure.