Accident Sequence
The crew commenced an approach to Nizhnevartovsk Airport during nighttime and marginal weather conditions. Due to erroneous calculations, the aircraft was not properly aligned on the approach path, prompting the captain to execute a go-around. Six minutes later, the crew initiated a second approach.
On short final, air traffic control (ATC) asked the pilot if the runway was in sight. After an affirmative response, the crew received clearance to land. Less than one minute later, the airplane struck tree tops, stalled, and crashed in flames in a wooded area located 1,092 meters short of the runway threshold. The impact resulted in 32 occupants being injured and 24 others killed, including the copilot and a flight attendant.
Investigation Findings
The official investigation determined the probable cause: the propellers inadvertently entered reverse thrust when the crew activated the engine de-icing system. Investigators discovered a design error on this aircraft model that allowed the de-icing and thrust reversal systems to activate simultaneously. Additionally, at the time control was lost, the flaps were deployed at an angle of 17° instead of the prescribed 38°, which was considered a contributing factor.