What happened
During an approach to Leshukonskoye Airport, the flight crew encountered challenging weather characterized by freezing fog, which significantly restricted visibility. While on final approach, the pilot maintained a flight path below the established glide slope and failed to correct the aircraft's positioning. As the pilot decreased the approach speed and attempted a minor right-hand turn, the unstable aircraft lost altitude and banked to the left.
The impact occurred approximately 230 meters from the runway threshold and 110 meters to the right of the extended centerline. The collision triggered a post-crash fire that consumed the airframe. The accident resulted in 44 fatalities (comprising four crew members and 40 passengers) and left five other occupants with serious injuries. The aircraft was completely destroyed by the force of the impact and subsequent flames.
Findings
Official investigations concluded that the primary factor was the decision by the crew to proceed with the approach below the minimum descent altitude (MDA) without establishing visual contact with the runway or ground. The pilot-in-command did not execute a go-around despite the aircraft being in an incorrect configuration and unstable state, representing a failure to adhere to published approach procedures. Additional contributing elements included inadequate coordination among the crew and the presence of freezing fog which reduced visibility.