the three approach rule applies to the instrument runway i.e 2 approaches to 17 and 1 approach to 35 is counted as 2 and 1 not 3. it's like counting each end as two different runways. also the 3rd approach may only be carried out if their is double improvement in weather i.e a sudden change from cat III to cat I conditions.
technically you could make 4 approaches to one runway, two onto 17 and two onto 35 and STILL be within the 3 approach limit. Not that i would advise it.
until the hard facts are out it is wrong and wholly inaccurate to speculate. the mitigating circumstances must be discovered.
My condolences and sympathy to those who lost their lives and their friends and relatives