Incident Overview
An aircraft operating a flight from Klin to Norilsk-Nezhdanny Airport was on final approach when it collided with a mountain top near the Talnashki River. The impact occurred at an elevation of 633 meters, and the wreckage fell into a gorge. The aircraft was destroyed.
Casualties
Seven crew members were killed in the accident. The sole survivor, the tail gunner, was seriously injured.
Air Traffic Control Involvement
The air traffic controller on duty was inexperienced. During the descent toward the airport, the controller authorized the crew to descend to 700 meters. However, the Talnakhskiye gory mountain range, which lies along the approach path, reaches a height of 740 meters. The aircraft subsequently struck terrain below that summit.
Official Probable Cause
The investigation determined the probable cause to be poor assistance on the part of the air traffic controller, who transmitted incorrect information to the crew during the descent.