Incident Description
During a night approach to Saratov-Tsentralny Airport, the pilot permitted the aircraft to descend below the prescribed glide path. The twin-engine aircraft subsequently contacted the runway surface with a positive acceleration of 2.35 g. Upon impact, the aircraft bounced and nosed downward before striking the runway a second time with a positive acceleration of 3 g. Following the second impact, the aircraft became uncontrollable, veered off the runway to the left, and came to rest in flames in a grassy area.
Outcome
The aircraft was destroyed as a result of the impact and subsequent fire. All 57 occupants on board were evacuated safely without injury.
Probable Cause
According to official findings, the probable cause of the accident was a wrong approach configuration on the part of the crew, who failed to follow the approved and published procedures.