Crash Sequence
The aircraft was cruising at an altitude of 5,700 meters in good weather conditions. At 2354LT, the crew received clearance to descend to 4,500 meters and confirmed an estimated time of arrival in Perm in 15 minutes. Less than two minutes later, the aircraft went out of control and entered a dive, reaching a speed of 1,000 km/h. At 2,700 meters, the captain briefly regained control, during which the aircraft made an upward looping maneuver. Due to excessive g-loads, parts began to separate from the aircraft. Control was lost again, and the aircraft descended uncontrollably, crashing at a speed of 250 km/h into a field covered by 70 cm of snow near Petukhovo, approximately 90 km north of Perm.
Fatalities and Survivors
The wreckage was located at 1400LT on January 22. All 39 occupants on board were killed in the accident. Subsequent reports indicated that four passengers survived the initial impact but died from exposure to extreme low temperatures of -41°C before rescuers arrived at the site.
Investigation
The official investigation determined that the exact cause of the accident could not be established with certainty. Traces of explosives were found on several pieces of debris, but this finding was not definitively proven. Soviet authorities stated there were no military activities in the area at the time of the accident.