It flew normally in the direction of Valencia before the last radio contact at 10:38 and disappeared from radar screens 4 minutes later, probably as a result of total electrical failure caused by a lightning strike.

The loss of electricity rendered many systems inoperable, such as elevator trim, lighting and instruments, anti-ice and navigation.

The aircraft then impacted the water at a steep pitch angle, as a result of either loss of control or spatial disorientation.

On February 8, 1988, Nürnberger Flugdienst Flight 108 broke up in mid-air after the pilots became disoriented due to a loss of electrical power caused by a lightning strike.

This combination of circumstances, aggravated by the storm with heavy rainfall and turbulence and the associated lack of visibility, led to the aircraft's impact with the sea.