Accident Details
The aircraft was on final approach to Lviv-Snilow Airport under icing conditions. At an altitude of 100 meters, the flight crew set the flaps to 45 degrees. The aircraft then stalled and crashed into a swampy area short of the runway threshold. One passenger sustained serious injuries, and 32 other occupants were killed. Investigators found that excessive ice accumulation on the stabilizers caused the airplane to become unstable and contributed to the stall.
Probable Cause
The official investigation concluded that the accident was caused by excessive flap deployment during an approach in icing conditions. The combination of ice buildup on the stabilizers and the large flap deflection led to the aerodynamic stall. As a result, Antonov planned to update the aircraft's flight manuals, modifying approach procedures to limit flap deployment to 15 degrees in icing conditions. The investigation was also expected to help determine the cause of a similar accident at Lviv Airport on November 16, 1959, involving the same type of aircraft under identical circumstances.
Aftermath
In response to the findings, operational changes were announced to prevent recurrence. The study of this accident was also intended to clarify the circumstances of a prior crash with similar characteristics.