What happened
During the final approach to Lviv-Snilow Airport, an aircraft was operating in heavy icing conditions. While flying at an altitude of approximately 100 meters, the crew transitioned the flaps to a 45° setting. This maneuver triggered an aerodynamic stall, causing the plane to descend into a swampy region located just before the runway threshold.
The accident resulted in 32 fatalities and left one passenger with serious injuries.
Findings
Investigation results indicated that significant ice buildup on the stabilizers rendered the aircraft unstable. The primary factor leading to the crash was the excessive deployment of flaps while flying through icing conditions. This specific configuration, combined with the weight of the accumulated ice, led directly to the loss of lift and the subsequent stall.
As a result of these findings, Antonov planned to revise flight manuals to modify approach protocols. The updated procedures were intended to restrict flap deployment to a maximum of 15° when operating in icing environments to prevent similar occurrences.