Accident Summary
A single-engine airplane operating a passenger flight from Przhevalsk Airport crashed into a snow-covered hill, killing all nine occupants. The accident occurred after the captain descended below clouds in deteriorating weather conditions.
Flight History
Seven passengers boarded at Przhevalsk Airport. After takeoff, the crew climbed to an altitude of 2,700 meters in visibility of 5 kilometers. Following the Santash Pass, weather conditions worsened and visibility dropped below minimums. The captain decided to reduce altitude and continue flying below the clouds.
Impact and Destruction
Visibility had decreased to 1 kilometer due to snowfall. While flying at high speed, the single-engine airplane struck a snow-covered hill and disintegrated on impact. All nine people on board were killed.
Probable Cause
The official investigation attributed the accident to the captain's decision to reduce altitude without air traffic control clearance and to continue the flight in visibility below minimums until impact with the ground. Poor flight preparation by the crew was considered a contributing factor.