Introduction
On 25 November 2024, a Swiftair Boeing 737-400, registration EC-MFE, operating flight QY-5960 on behalf of DHL from Leipzig, Germany to Vilnius, Lithuania, suffered a fatal accident during final approach to runway 19 at Vilnius International Airport. The aircraft impacted the ground approximately 0.87 nautical miles short of the runway threshold and collided with a residential building, resulting in the death of one crew member and injuries to three others. There were no injuries on the ground. The aircraft was destroyed by impact forces and subsequent fire.
The investigation is being conducted by Lithuania’s Transport Accident and Incident Investigation Bureau (TAIIB), with participation from the US NTSB, German BFU, and Spanish CIAIAC under ICAO Annex 13 protocols.
Aircraft and Flight Information
• Aircraft Type: Boeing 737-4Y0F
• Operator: Swiftair on behalf of DHL
• Registration: EC-MFE
• Flight Number: QY-5960
• Departure Airport: Leipzig/Halle Airport (EDDP), Germany
• Destination Airport: Vilnius International Airport (EYVI), Lithuania
• Date of Occurrence: 25 November 2024
• Time of Accident: 05:28 local time (03:28Z)
• Crew on Board: 4 (2 pilots, 2 loadmasters)
• Fatalities: 1 (Captain, Spanish, aged 48)
• Injuries: 3 serious (1 German FO, 1 Lithuanian, 1 Spanish)
• Damage to Aircraft: Destroyed
• Damage to Property: Substantial damage to residential structure
Weather and Environmental Conditions
At the time of the accident, weather conditions at Vilnius Airport included:
• Wind: 180° at 16 knots
• Visibility: 10 km or greater
• Cloud cover: Overcast at 800 feet AGL
• Temperature/Dew Point: 1°C / -1°C
• Pressure (QNH): 1020 hPa
• Precipitation: No significant weather (NOSIG)
METAR reports indicated stable but low overcast ceilings, with no significant turbulence or icing reported in the vicinity.
Sequence of Events
Approach Phase
The aircraft was conducting an ILS approach to runway 19 at Vilnius under instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). Routine communication with Vilnius Radar was maintained until approximately 4 NM from the runway, at which point the crew was instructed to contact the tower for final clearance. No contact was made on the tower frequency.
The tower issued landing clearance blindly, assuming radio communication failure, and prepared emergency services for a potential incident.
Impact and Ground Collision
At 05:28L (03:28Z), the aircraft impacted terrain approximately 0.87 NM from the runway threshold, at an elevation of 675 feet MSL. It skidded for approximately 247 metres and collided with a two-storey residential building, 0.74 NM from the runway. The aircraft burst into flames upon impact.
Twelve civilians were inside the residence; all escaped without injury, although the building suffered roof and structural fire damage.
Post-Accident Response
Emergency services arrived on scene within minutes. One deceased crew member was recovered from the wreckage. The three surviving crew members were extracted and transported to local hospitals, one in critical condition.
DHL issued a statement confirming the accident and expressing condolences. Lithuanian authorities closed Vilnius Airport temporarily under NOTAM A5300/24.
Flight data and cockpit voice recorders were recovered at 11:30 local time on 26 November and sent to Germany for analysis.
Investigation Overview
Initial examination ruled out terrorism or external sabotage. The Lithuanian Prosecution Office, Ministry of Justice, and Ministry of National Defence stated that no evidence indicated unlawful interference. Witness interviews and technical inspections supported this conclusion.
ADS-B data indicated that the aircraft descended below the normal 3° glide path during final approach. The last reported ADS-B data showed the aircraft at FL007 (approx. 253 feet AGL at 1020 hPa), whereas the glide path height at that point should have been 336 feet. The first point of ground contact was at 675 feet MSL.
The aircraft’s descent rate averaged 972 feet per minute with a groundspeed of 149 knots in the final 37 seconds before impact. Investigators found no ATC anomalies or radar communication failures during the approach.
Preliminary Findings
On 26 March 2025, Lithuania’s General Prosecution Office reported that preliminary data from the flight recorders indicated a malfunction in the hydraulic system responsible for flap deployment.
Key points:
• Flap deployment failure likely compromised final approach stability and control.
• Crew may have attempted to continue landing despite limited configuration options.
• No evidence of external sabotage, unlawful interference, or onboard fire/smoke was found.
• ADS-B data supports descent below glide path with elevated rate of descent in final seconds.
Spanish authorities have been requested to conduct interviews with the surviving Spanish crew member.
Safety Actions and Follow-Up
The TAIIB is continuing its investigation in collaboration with Swiftair, Boeing, EASA, and relevant international agencies. Areas of focus include:
• Hydraulic system inspection and maintenance history
• Crew response procedures to abnormal flap configuration
• Communication protocols during approach transitions
• Risk management during low-visibility ILS approaches in degraded aircraft states
Swiftair and DHL are conducting parallel internal reviews.
Conclusion
This accident involved a Swiftair Boeing 737-400 (EC-MFE) which impacted terrain short of Vilnius Airport on 25 November 2024 during final approach in IMC conditions. Preliminary findings suggest a flap deployment failure led to an unstable approach, culminating in controlled flight into terrain. The aircraft subsequently struck a residential building and was destroyed by post-impact fire. One crew member died and three others sustained serious injuries.
The investigation remains ongoing and a final report will be issued upon completion of all technical analyses.
Disclaimer
This report is based on publicly available information as of 26 March 2025. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we cannot guarantee the completeness of the information provided. If you are the rightful owner of any referenced materials and wish them removed, please email takedown@cockpitking.com.
