Night Approach Accident at Gyumri Airport (RA-26141)

Incident Overview On a night approach to Gyumri Airport, the crew encountered weather conditions below the published minima and initiated a go-around. The decision was made too late, and the aircraft stalled, crashing into a riverbed approximately 2,990 metres beyond the runway threshold. ## Casualties One passenger sustained serious injuries, while 35 other occupants were killed. ## Contributing Factors Official findings identified several factors: visibility of 200 metres was below minimums; the go-around decision was delayed; the approach was unstable and the aircraft was not properly aligned with the runway centerline; the crew did not follow published approach procedures; the aircraft was overloaded at takeoff and landing; two cars in the cargo compartment were not properly secured; and 31 passengers were on board although only five were listed on the manifest.