Accident Overview
A cargo flight operating from St Petersburg-Levashovo to Krasnodar with an intermediate stop in Andreapol crashed during initial climb. The aircraft was carrying 11 passengers, six crew members, construction materials, and the personal car of General Sergei Seleznyov, who was building a private cottage in the Krasnodar region. All 17 occupants, including the General and his wife, were killed.
Flight and Crash
During the initial climb after departure, the aircraft became unstable and began to pitch up and down. When the crew retracted the flaps, the aircraft nosed down, entered an uncontrolled descent, and crashed in a wooded area approximately 8 kilometers from the airport.
Investigation Findings
The official investigation determined that the aircraft weight was 1.5 tons above the maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) at the time of the accident. Additionally, the wings surfaces were reported to be contaminated with frost and snow, which was considered a contributing factor.