Flight Details
The aircraft was conducting a cargo flight from Moscow to Anadyr with intermediate stops in Syktyvkar and Katanga. The load consisted of 9,905 kilograms of oranges and 384 kilograms of mail. The legs between Moscow-Sheremetyevo, Syktyvkar, and Katanga were uneventful.
Accident Sequence
The crew began the approach to Katanga at night under marginal weather conditions, which included low clouds, snowfall, and a visibility of 5 kilometers. They were cleared to descend to 400 meters. While flying at high speed with flaps and undercarriage retracted, the airplane banked left to 20–25°. It then struck trees and crashed in flames in a wooded area 13 kilometers short of the runway threshold. The crew did not send a distress call prior to the accident.
Consequences
The aircraft was totally destroyed upon impact. All eight occupants on board were killed.
Probable Cause
Official findings indicate that the loss of control was believed to be the consequence of an excessive accumulation of ice on the wings and stabilizers during the approach at night in severe icing conditions.