What happened
During an approach to Poltava Airport, the flight crew encountered challenging meteorological conditions characterized by low cloud cover and localized patches of fog that significantly restricted visibility. After failing to identify the runway during the initial approach, the captain executed a go-around procedure.
A second landing attempt was subsequently initiated. While the aircraft was descending at an altitude of approximately 50 to 60 meters, it entered a dense patch of fog, resulting in the loss of visual reference with the ground. The pilot-in-command proceeded with the approach despite the lack of visibility, leading the aircraft to impact the terrain 2,130 metres before reaching the runway threshold. Although the impact resulted in the aircraft being damaged beyond repair, all 11 occupants managed to evacuate the wreckage without any injuries.
Findings
Official investigations concluded that the accident was driven by inadequate approach planning by the crew. The investigation highlighted a failure to maintain proper instrument monitoring while operating in marginal weather conditions. Furthermore, the crew failed to abort the landing sequence once visual contact with the ground could no longer be maintained.