What happened
A charter flight, which originated in Asmara and included stops in Port Sudan and Hurghada, was transporting helicopter crews back to Russia when the accident occurred. During the night approach to Antalya, the flight crew received updates regarding deteriorating weather conditions at the destination, including thunderstorm activity, winds from 220 degrees gusting to 35 knots, and visibility reduced to two kilometers.
Air traffic control instructed the crew to maintain their current heading and advised a go-around procedure if visual contact with the runway could not be established. While on short final approach, the left engine of the aircraft collided with an electric pole measuring approximately 10 meters in height. This impact caused the aircraft to lose altitude, leading to a crash on a road situated 550 meters to the left of the extended centerline and 1,325 meters before reaching the runway. The impact resulted in the destruction of the aircraft. All 27 occupants were successfully rescued from the wreckage, though eight individuals sustained injuries.
Findings
- Severe weather conditions including thunderstorms and low visibility.
- Collision with an electric pole during the final approach phase.