Cargo Aircraft Crash at Irkutsk-2 Airport (12162)

Incident Overview and Flight Details A four-engine aircraft departed Novosibirsk-Yeltsovka Airport on a cargo flight to Irkutsk. The aircraft was carrying three mechanics, six crew members, and a load of 1.5 tons of spare parts for the Irkut Group, which includes Sukhoi and Beriev, based in Irkutsk. The source does not specify the aircraft type, registration, date, or operator. ## Approach and Impact During the approach to Irkutsk-2 Airport, the crew encountered marginal weather conditions, including mist and limited visibility due to nighttime conditions. On short final, the aircraft deviated to the right and descended too low. It impacted military vehicles and crashed into several barracks belonging to the 109th Arsenal of the Russian Army. The aircraft came to rest 770 meters short of runway 14 and approximately 90 meters to the right of the runway's extended centerline. The aircraft was destroyed, and all nine occupants were killed. There were no victims on the ground. ## Official Findings The official investigation identified the following findings: The crew continued the descent below the minimum descent altitude (MDA) without visual contact with the ground until the aircraft impacted obstacles and crashed. The flight manager was aware of deteriorating weather conditions at the destination, with visibility below minimums, but failed to inform the crew accordingly. Air traffic control at Irkutsk-2 Airport failed to inform the crew that they were deviating from the approach path on short final.