Accident
On a night approach to Amderma Airport, the airplane descended below the glide path. At a speed of 206 km/h, it struck the ground 1,850 meters short of the runway threshold and crashed in flames on a small hill located 140 meters to the left of the extended centerline. Two passengers and a crew member were seriously injured; all 40 other occupants were killed.
Probable Cause
According to the official investigation, the accident resulted from a series of violations by the flying crew, who failed to follow published procedures for the night approach. This led to a premature descent, causing the aircraft to continue below the glide until impact. Contributing factors included:
- The real altitude of the aircraft was less than reported by the navigator.
- The pilot-in-command decided to continue the approach after passing below the glide.
- The pilot-in-command failed to initiate a go-around.
- Poor crew coordination.
- The navigator responsible for the approach was under training and his instructor did not assist during the maneuver.
- The aircraft's total weight was 816 kg above the maximum takeoff weight at departure from Arkhangelsk.