Incident
A cargo flight departed from Chardzhou en route to Mary, carrying 40 bottles of sulfuric acid with a total weight of 1,200 kg. Eighteen minutes after takeoff, while cruising at an altitude of 900 meters, smoke began to spread in the cabin and a fire erupted. The copilot attempted to extinguish the fire but was unsuccessful. The captain reduced altitude and initiated an emergency landing. During the landing attempt, the aircraft struck a small dune and crashed in flames near Karaul-Kuyu, south of Chardzhou.
Aftermath
The aircraft was totally destroyed by a post-crash fire. Both pilots sustained serious injuries, including burns. Two days later, the copilot died from the injuries sustained in the accident.
Investigation Findings
The official investigation determined that the accident resulted from the ignition of the sulfuric acid in flight. The cargo was not properly packaged, and the flight was not dispatched according to the procedures in force referring to dangerous goods transportation.