Accident
A cargo flight operating between Istanbul and Bryansk was completing its approach to Bryansk Airport when it encountered poor weather conditions characterized by fog. The horizontal visibility was reported as 450 meters, vertical visibility 80 meters, and runway visual range 1,000 meters. On the final approach, the pilot-in-command was unable to establish visual contact with the runway and initiated a go-around procedure. Several minutes later, the crew attempted a second approach under similar weather conditions. During this approach, the aircraft landed hard, became uncontrollable, veered off the runway, and came to rest. The aircraft sustained damage beyond repair, and all nine occupants—one passenger and eight crew members—were injured.
Investigation
The investigation into the incident identified several contributing factors. The crew had been on duty for over 20 hours without any rest period before departing from Istanbul. Additionally, the weather forecast provided to the crew for Bryansk Airport was inaccurate. During the second approach, the crew descended below the minimum descent altitude (MDA) without establishing visual contact with the runway lights, continuing the approach until the aircraft impacted the ground.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause listed contributing factors: The crew was tired following an over 20 hours duty period without any rest time; the crew decided to leave Istanbul without any rest time period; information transmitted to the crew concerning weather forecast for Bryansk Airport were inaccurate; the crew decided to continue the approach and to descent below the MDA without any visual contact with the runway lights until the aircraft impacted the ground.