Accident Overview
An aircraft conducting a night descent to Lakhta Air Force Base (AFB) crashed short of the runway after the right wing collided with trees. The flight had originated from Safonovo Naval Aviation Station (Severomorsk) and was uneventful until the approach phase.
Weather Conditions
Weather at the time was poor, with low clouds at 120 meters, visibility of 1,500 meters, and snow squalls.
Sequence of Events
During the final approach, at a distance of 2,700 meters from the runway threshold, the aircraft was 30 meters below the glide path. When the crew reached the decision altitude, they decided to continue the descent despite having no visual contact with the ground. At a speed of 220–240 km/h and a height of 16 meters, the right wing struck trees. The aircraft then descended and crashed in a snow-covered field located 1,725 meters short of the runway and 52 meters to the left of the extended centerline.
Occupants and Damage
Three people, including a pilot, survived the accident. Seventeen other occupants were killed. The aircraft was totally destroyed.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined that the crew's decision to continue the approach after the decision height without any visual contact with the ground until the aircraft collided with trees and impacted terrain. The crew failed to follow the published procedures and to initiate a go-around manoeuvre.