Incident Details
A mail flight from Egvekinot to Anadyr was completing its approach to Anadyr-Liman Airport. Weather conditions at the time were poor, with limited visibility due to a cloud layer extending down to 30 meters above ground. During the final segment of the approach, the pilot-in-command observed a man walking on the runway and initiated a right turn to avoid him. The maneuver was performed in the presence of strong crosswinds.
Sequence of Events
As the aircraft executed the right turn, it stalled and subsequently crashed near the runway threshold. The single-engine airplane was damaged beyond repair. All six occupants on board sustained slight injuries.
Investigation Findings
The investigation determined that the man walking on the runway had been dispatched to set fire on the ground as a means to guide the airplane during the approach. However, the crew had not been informed about the presence of the man on the runway, and the man himself had not been informed that an aircraft was scheduled to land at that time.
Probable Cause
The probable cause, as stated in the official findings, is that the man walking on the runway was dispatched to set fire on ground to guide the airplane on approach. The crew had not been informed about the presence of the man on the runway, and the man had not been informed that an aircraft was scheduled to land.