Incident Overview
A fatal aviation accident occurred while an aircraft was on final approach to Vitebsk. The flight originated in Pskov and was transporting military officers participating in a training exercise. During the descent, the crew encountered severe icing conditions that led to a loss of control over the airplane.
Accident Sequence
As the aircraft attempted to complete its approach, it lost altitude rapidly. The uncontrolled descent caused the plane to strike power cables before ultimately crashing into an open field. Upon impact, the aircraft caught fire. Emergency response efforts resulted in five passengers surviving the incident, while 26 other occupants were killed.
Investigation Findings
Official investigation findings indicate that the primary factor contributing to the accident was the excessive accumulation of ice on critical flight surfaces, including the wings, stabilizers, and fuselage. This buildup occurred during the approach phase under severe icing conditions. The report notes that various deicing systems available on the aircraft were apparently not activated by the crew, which likely exacerbated the loss of aerodynamic performance and control.