What happened
During an afternoon flight mission, an aircraft was performing calibration procedures for the Instrument Landing System (ILS) on runway 05R at Khabarovsk-Novy Airport. The flight was operated by a crew of six individuals. After departing the airport, the aircraft performed several circuits around the airfield and the surrounding area as part of the testing process.
Following instructions, the crew attempted to climb to an altitude of 600 metres while turning to follow the reverse approach course. However, the established minimum altitude for this specific sector, extending up to 46 km from the airport, was set at 1,200 metres. The aircraft continued its flight path at 600 metres with a heading of 220° for several minutes.
While the crew was attempting a slight ascent, the aircraft reached an altitude of 742 metres. Operating in marginal weather conditions with poor visibility, the aircraft struck trees and crashed into a wooded slope on Mt Khrebtovaya, which has an elevation of 793 metres. The accident occurred in the Bolchoï Khekhtsir Mountain Range, approximately 40 km southwest of the airport. The impact resulted in the total destruction of the aircraft and six fatalities.
Findings
- The aircraft was operating at an altitude significantly below the required minimum of 1,200 metres for that sector.
- Low-altitude flight occurred during a period of poor visibility and marginal weather conditions.