However, during its takeoff run, the aircraft overran the runway and struck multiple airport approach lights and the instrument landing system before eventually becoming airborne.

[3][4][5] As a result of the accident, Air Serbia terminated its wet-lease agreement with Marathon Airlines on 21 February and retired its entire Embraer fleet.

[9] According to the preliminary report from Serbia's Center for Investigation of Accidents in Transport, there were no mechanical issues with the aircraft or engines.

However, as the plane accelerated past 100 knots (185 km/h; 115 mph), the crew realized that there was insufficient runway length to take off.

As a result, as the plane took off, it struck the approach lights to Runway 12R and the antennas for the airport's instrument landing system.