Flight History
About 52 minutes after takeoff from Kiev-Borispol Airport, the aircraft was cruising at an altitude of 5,100 meters. The crew received clearance to begin descent to Odessa Airport when the captain informed air traffic control about a fire in the cockpit.
Cockpit Fire
Fire extinguishers were used but without success. Thick smoke spread throughout the cockpit, preventing the crew from reading their instruments.
Emergency Landing
Faced with the situation, the captain decided to reduce altitude and attempt an emergency landing. The aircraft executed a belly landing in an open field, slid for a few dozen meters, and came to rest in flames. All 27 occupants were able to evacuate without injury. The aircraft was destroyed by fire.
Probable Cause
According to the official investigation, the in-flight fire in the cockpit was the consequence of an electrical short-circuit in the wiring of a switch located in the heating system due to a design defect. It was also reported that maintenance failed to meet standard requirements.