35 fatalities

Fatal Crash near Klyuchi Airport Attributed to Wrong Approach Configuration (01)

Klyuchi, RussiaLanding (descent or approach)

On May 6, 1983, an Antonov AN-26 (registration 01) operated by Soviet Air Force - Voyenno-vozdushnye sily CCCP was involved in an aviation accident near Klyuchi, Russia during landing or approach. 35 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Wrong approach configuration on part of the flying crew. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-11Data APIEditorial standards

A flight from Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky to Klyuchi crashed on approach in heavy snow, killing 6 crew and 29 of 31 passengers. Official cause: wrong approach configuration by the flying crew.

Accident Summary

During a routine flight from Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky Airport to Klyuchi Airport, the crew initiated a descent into Klyuchi. Weather conditions deteriorated with heavy snowfall, reducing visibility below minimums for the approach. On final approach, the aircraft descended below the glide path, struck tree tops, and crashed in a wooded area. The impact resulted in the deaths of all 6 crew members and 29 of the 31 passengers, who were conscripts. Two passengers survived.

Investigation Findings

The official investigation concluded that the accident was caused by a wrong approach configuration on the part of the flying crew. No additional factors were cited in the findings.

Probable cause

Wrong approach configuration on part of the flying crew.