Flight and Approach
The aircraft was operating a flight from Riga to Kirov with an intermediate stop in Leningrad. The approach to the destination airport was initiated during nighttime and in weather conditions that were below the established minima.
Accident Sequence
On final approach, the aircraft descended below the glide path. The captain then switched off the ground proximity warning system (GPWS), which had been sounding an alarm in the cockpit. Subsequently, the aircraft struck tree tops approximately 1,700 meters before the inner marker. It stalled and crashed in a wooded area located 2,165 meters before the runway threshold.
Injuries and Damage
All five crew members and 23 of the 39 passengers on board sustained injuries. The aircraft was destroyed in the accident.
Investigation and Probable Cause
The official investigation determined the probable cause to be the crew's decision to complete the approach while weather conditions were below minima. Following a wrong approach configuration, the captain allowed the aircraft to drop below the glide path and switched off the GPWS alarm that was sounding in the cockpit, causing the aircraft to collide with trees and crash.