What happened
During an approach to Tashkent-Yuzhny Airport, the flight crew encountered challenging weather characterized by nighttime operations and heavy snowfall, which significantly limited visibility. While on final approach, the captain initiated a go-around procedure. Rather than diverting the aircraft to an alternative airport with better conditions, the crew attempted a second approach.
During this subsequent attempt, the crew was unable to identify the runway. A second go-around was then executed. At an altitude of approximately 100 to 150 meters, the aircraft experienced a stall and a right-hand bank, subsequently impacting a snow-covered field. The accident resulted in 21 fatalities, with no survivors among the occupants.
Findings
Investigations concluded that the primary factor was the crew's decision to continue operations below established weather minima. Instead of diverting to an appropriate airfield, the crew attempted further approaches in unsuitable conditions. During the second go-around maneuver, the aircraft lost sufficient airspeed, leading to the aerodynamic stall and subsequent crash.