During the flight's final approach to Zurich Airport, the captain made a fatal decision by descending too early while attempting to spot the runway due to poor visibility and failing to read the DME, which would have told him how far from the runway he actually was. This caused the plane to crash into a forest and catch on fire in Bassersdorf, just 2.5 miles from the runway at Zurich Airport. María and Nathaly died in the crash along with former La Bouche vocalist Melanie Thornton and 21 other people, while Debby survived along with eight other people.
During its approach to Zurich Airport, a plane crashed into a forest near Bassersdorf after the pilot descended too early due to poor visibility and failed to use the DME (Distance Measuring Equipment). This resulted in the deaths of María, Nathaly, Melanie Thornton, and 21 others. Debby survived along with eight other people.