Accident Overview
On a flight from Kemerovo to Tashtagol, with an intermediate stop at Novokuznetsk, the aircraft departed Novokuznetsk on the final leg to Tashtagol. The crew encountered below-minima weather conditions, including low clouds and rain mixed with snow. Despite the adverse conditions, the crew decided to continue the flight. During the approach, the aircraft deviated approximately 8 kilometers to the left of the prescribed flight path.
Impact Details
The aircraft struck the wooded slope of Mount Pustag at an elevation of 1,050 meters. Mount Pustag, with a peak height of 1,570 meters, is located about 25 kilometers north of Tashtagol. The slope was covered by clouds at the time of the accident.
Occupants
All five persons on board were killed. The occupants included three crew members (one of whom was a check pilot) and two passengers.
Probable Cause
According to the official investigation, the probable cause was the crew's decision to continue the flight in below-minima weather conditions and their failure to return to the departure airport or divert.