Departure and Initial Climb
The aircraft departed Dnepropetrovsk Airport at 1547 local time. The crew received clearance to climb to an assigned altitude of 5,100 meters. At 1558, they reported reaching 3,600 meters and continuing their ascent.
In-flight Event
While climbing through approximately 4,000 meters, the number 2 propeller blade detached from the left engine. The blade struck the fuselage, severing the elevator and aileron control cables. As a result, the crew lost control of the aircraft, which entered a dive.
Impact and Aftermath
The airplane struck the ground in a nose-down attitude of 45 to 50 degrees, at an estimated speed of 500 to 550 km/h. The impact totally destroyed the aircraft, and all 55 occupants on board were killed.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined the probable cause to be loss of control in flight resulting from the detachment of propeller blade number 2 on the left engine, which severed the control cables. The blade's separation was attributed to a fatigue fracture caused by corrosion.