What happened
On the morning of August 30, 1983, a Tupolev Tu-134A aircraft operated by Aeroflot was conducting a domestic passenger service from Chelyabinsk to Almaty. During the final stages of the approach to Almaty Airport, the flight deviated significantly from its intended path. The aircraft struck the western slope of Dolan Mountain at an elevation of 690 meters (2,260 feet). The impact resulted in the immediate destruction of the airframe and the loss of all individuals on board.
Investigation
Soviet authorities conducted a thorough inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the crash. Investigators analyzed flight data, wreckage distribution, and crew communications to determine the sequence of events leading up to the collision. The investigation focused heavily on navigation procedures and pilot decision-making during the approach phase in potentially adverse weather or terrain conditions.
Findings
The official report concluded that crew error was the primary factor responsible for the accident. The failure of the flight crew to maintain proper altitude awareness and adhere to standard approach protocols led directly to the controlled flight into terrain (CFIT) incident. All 90 people on board, comprising passengers and crew, perished in the disaster. No survivors were reported.
Probable cause
The crash was caused by crew error during the approach phase.