Part 3/8:
Conflict arose in the flight deck as Captain Lutz discussed the approach preparation while ignoring the increasingly high speed of the aircraft. As they entered a holding pattern, fatigue set in. The new landing plan created a complicated approach they weren't adequately prepared for, and the conditions were exacerbated by low clouds and poor visibility.
Despite knowing they had to maintain a minimum descent altitude (MDA) of 2400 feet until visual confirmation of the runway, fatigue, urgency, and miscommunication led both pilots to a crucial mistake. Eager to land amidst deteriorating conditions, they descended below the MDA despite not seeing the runway.