Cargo Flight Diverted to Lensk Crashes in Wooded Area (CCCP-11349)

Flight Details and Diversion Decision The aircraft departed Ust-Kut Airport on a cargo flight to Mirny, carrying 18 tons of cement. Shortly after takeoff, the crew was informed that landing at Mirny Airport was impossible due to technical problems. The captain decided to divert to Lensk Airport without referring to his operations, despite poor weather conditions at the destination. At the time, the sky was overcast with clouds down to 600 meters, horizontal visibility of 2,500 meters, and rain and snow present. The flight continued at an altitude of 8,000 meters before the crew was cleared to descend to 3,000 meters and begin the approach to Lensk. ## Approach and Impact During the final approach, the pilot-in-command failed to realize that the aircraft's altitude was insufficient. The airplane struck tall trees, which were 20 meters high, in a flat attitude. It continued its descent and crashed 420 meters further in a wooded area. The wreckage was located 15.6 kilometers short of the runway threshold. The aircraft was totally destroyed, and all six crew members were killed. ## Official Findings The official investigation determined that the accident was the consequence of a premature descent and a controlled flight into terrain for undetermined reasons. The possibility that an engine may have failed on approach was not ruled out. At the time of the accident, Lensk Airport was not equipped with an ILS system or any kind of ground guidance assistance system.