The aircraft was on an Instrument Landing System approach to
Medan Airport in a thunderstorm. The aircraft struck electrical power lines and crashed short of the runway. The aircraft broke up and the tail section separated and fire broke out. Most of the survivors escaped through breaks in the fuselage and 11 were flung free of the aircraft. Four of the eight crew died and 19 passengers suffered fatal injuries due to smoke inhalation and burns. Four crew and 18 passengers suffered serious injuries. All of the fatalities were a result of the fire and not due to the impact with the ground. ==Aircraft==