What happened
During a nighttime approach to Amderma Airport, an aircraft descended below the established glide path. While traveling at a speed of 206 km/h, the plane struck the ground approximately 1,850 meters before reaching the runway threshold. The impact occurred on a small hill situated 140 meters to the left of the extended centerline, causing the aircraft to burst into flames.
The accident resulted in 40 fatalities and left two passengers and one crew member with serious injuries.
Findings
Investigations determined that the crash was caused by a series of procedural violations by the flight crew during the night approach. The crew failed to adhere to published protocols, leading to an uncontrolled descent below the glide slope. Several contributing factors were identified:
- The aircraft's actual altitude was lower than the figures provided by the navigator.
- The pilot-in-command chose to proceed with the approach despite the aircraft dropping below the glide path.
- There was a failure to execute a go-around maneuver once the descent became unsafe.
- Ineffective coordination between crew members.
- The instructor failed to provide necessary assistance to the navigator, who was undergoing training at the time of the incident.
- The aircraft's takeoff weight from Arkhangelsk exceeded its maximum takeoff weight by 816 kilograms.