Flydubai Flight 981 was operating a scheduled flight from Dubai to Rostov-on-Don when it encountered severe weather conditions upon nearing its destination. According to reports, there was limited visibility due to heavy rains and strong winds, which created hazardous landing conditions. The crew attempted to land the aircraft several times but ultimately lost control in the turbulent conditions and crashed just short of the runway. The aircraft was carrying 55 passengers and 7 crew members, all of whom perished in the crash. Rescue teams responded promptly, but the wreckage was inaccessible immediately due to the poor weather.

The subsequent investigation revealed that the aircraft was trying to land after a series of go-arounds, and the pilots followed standard procedures under the circumstances. However, the severe weather posed significant challenges that ultimately led to the loss of control. Flydubai, a budget airline based in the UAE, faced scrutiny regarding its safety measures and training protocols following the incident. The loss of Flight 981 raised questions about airline safety in adverse weather conditions and led to a review of operational protocols across various airlines operating in similar environments.

In the weeks that followed, the investigation also shed light on the broader challenges faced by pilots in managing weather-related risks. Air traffic control communication was analyzed to determine if there were any indications of deteriorating weather that could have prevented the approach. The loss of this flight underscored the importance of robust safety measures and the need for continual training for flight crews to handle critical situations effectively.