What happened
While operating under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) above a cloud layer at 1,500 meters, the flight crew received authorization from Air Traffic Control (ATC) to descend to an altitude of 400 meters. As the aircraft continued its descent through cloudy conditions, it reached an altitude of approximately 950 meters when it struck treetops.
The impact caused the plane to nose down and crash into a heavily wooded region in Privetnoye. The wreckage was subsequently located on the slopes of Mt Kharpuzyany Kayas. The accident resulted in 12 fatalities, with no survivors reported among the occupants.
Findings
Investigations into the accident identified significant errors made by Air Traffic Control regarding flight monitoring and altitude clearance. Specifically, ATC granted permission for the aircraft to fly at 1,500 meters despite a request for a minimum of 2,100 meters. Furthermore, ATC authorized a descent to 400 meters while being aware that the aircraft was flying within clouds over mountainous terrain, which provided insufficient clearance from obstacles.