Accident
A cargo aircraft on a flight from Tbilisi to Myachkovo, with an intermediate stop in Krasnodar, lost control while cruising in good weather conditions at an altitude of 2,700 meters and a speed of 300 km/h. The airplane nosed down and entered a dive. During the descent, elements from the stabilizers and wing tips detached. The aircraft impacted a field located 3 km southwest of Nashchekino, approximately 9 km off course, at a nose-down attitude of 15–20° and a speed of 330 km/h. The impact totally destroyed the airplane, and all six occupants were killed. The aircraft was carrying 20 empty gas bottles and a few boxes containing metal parts, with a total cargo weight of 1,792 kg.
Investigation
The official investigation determined that both engines were running at the time of impact, and there was no fire prior to final impact. The exact cause of the accident could not be determined with certainty. However, investigators reported that the aircraft's center of gravity was too far forward and that the cargo was not properly secured. It was also considered possible that the loss of control resulted from atmospheric turbulence or an unexpected disconnection of the automatic pilot system.
Probable Cause
The exact cause of the accident could not be determined with certainty. However, it was reported that the aircraft's center of gravity was too far forward and that the cargo was not properly secured. Both engines were running at impact and there was no fire prior to final impact. It is possible that the loss of control was also the result of atmospheric turbulence or an unexpected disconnection of the automatic pilot system.