Accident
The aircraft departed Cape Schmidt on a special flight to Pevek for a survey mission of ice drifting in the Chukotka Sea. While approaching the coast at a height of 100 meters, the pilot began a right turn to 270 degrees. The aircraft then struck the rocky face of a mountain 145 meters high that overhung the sea. The aircraft disintegrated on impact, and all 10 occupants were killed.
Investigation
Official investigation determined that, for unknown reasons, the crew was approaching the coast at an insufficient altitude. At the time of the accident, visibility was limited, preventing the crew from seeing and avoiding the mountain. The turn to 270 degrees was initiated 1.2 kilometers from the coast, whereas the procedure required the turn to be completed 10 kilometers from the coast. In such conditions, impact with the ground was unavoidable.