Twin-engine Aircraft Crashes Short of Simikot Runway (9N-ABS)

What happened

The aircraft was conducting an approach to Simikot Airport when it deviated from the intended flight path. While on final approach, the pilot lost altitude control or failed to maintain the necessary glide slope, resulting in a collision with a tree located approximately 500 meters before the threshold of the runway. The impact caused the aircraft to crash short of the airfield.

Findings

The primary factor in this accident was the premature descent below the safe approach path, leading to an obstacle strike prior to reaching the airport infrastructure. Both pilots sustained injuries as a direct result of the crash. The incident highlights the critical importance of stabilized approaches and terrain awareness during landing phases at airports with challenging geographical surroundings.