What happened
In the early morning hours, a flight operated for Gazpromavia departed from U-Tapable Airport, Thailand, destined for Moscow-Zhukovsky Airport. The aircraft was performing an ambulance mission, transporting four passengers and two crew members. The flight plan included an initial refueling stop in Gaya, Bihar, with a subsequent scheduled stop in Tashkent.
While cruising at flight level 380 over the mountains of Afghanistan, approximately three hours and 45 minutes into the journey, the crew issued an emergency declaration. The flight crew intended to divert the aircraft to Kulyab, located in southeast Tajikistan. During this period, the aircraft experienced a critical mechanical failure where one engine ceased functioning, followed rapidly by the failure of the second engine.
In an attempt to perform an emergency landing under these degraded power conditions, the aircraft struck the snow-covered Mt Topkhana in the Badakhshan province. The impact resulted in two fatalities and left four injuries among the occupants.
Findings
- The aircraft suffered a dual engine failure during the cruise phase of flight.
- The loss of all propulsion power occurred while the aircraft was navigating mountainous terrain.