What happened
While performing a supply mission for researchers stationed within the Franz-Josef Archipelago, an aircraft crashed during its approach to the Ledovaya Baza airfield. The incident occurred approximately 53 km north of Graham Bell Island when the crew encountered severe whiteout conditions. The impact took place short of the runway, though all five crew members were able to exit the wreckage without injury. The aircraft itself remained in a condition that allowed for potential repairs.
Following the initial crash, an organized effort was initiated to retrieve the plane from its location. However, during the recovery process on May 13, the aircraft broke through the ice and submerged.
Findings
- The primary factor leading to the initial impact was whiteout conditions encountered during the approach phase.
- The loss of the airframe occurred when the weight of the aircraft caused the ice to fail during extraction attempts.