Accident Sequence
While cruising at 2,700 meters on a flight between Amderma and Arkhangelsk, a failure in the left engine manifold caused fuel to spill into the nacelle, leading to a fire. The crew attempted to suppress the fire but could not. The captain initiated an emergency landing. The aircraft struck trees and came to rest in a dense forest near Poltozero Lake.
Rescue and Casualties
Rescue teams reached the site the following day. They evacuated 26 injured persons and confirmed five fatalities, including four crew members. The cockpit was entirely destroyed.
Investigation
Investigators determined that the fire originated in the left engine nacelle. The fuel supply line—a ringing tube—failed due to a metallurgical defect, allowing fuel to leak. The fuel ignited on contact with hot exhaust gases, and the nacelle fire eventually caused the engine to detach.
Additionally, it was noted that the aircraft's certificate of airworthiness had expired on March 2. The crew had also exceeded the daily flight time limit and did not perform the required 25-hour maintenance check during a three-day stop at Pevek Airport.