Accident Overview
On the day of the accident, flight SU051F departed Tbilisi Airport at 0655LT, bound for Kutaisi. The crew was cleared to climb to 2,700 meters. As the aircraft approached the Surami region, it encountered poor weather conditions, including snowfall and visibility reduced to between 50 and 500 meters.
ATC Errors and Descent
A series of errors by air traffic control (ATC) at Kutaisi led to the crew being cleared to descend in stages: from 2,700 to 2,100 meters, then to 1,500 meters, and finally to 1,200 meters. In zero visibility, the aircraft struck the slope of a snow-covered mountain near Surami. The wreckage was located a day later at an altitude of 980 meters.
Casualties and Damage
The accident resulted in the deaths of three crew members and four passengers. Eight other individuals suffered serious injuries. The aircraft was destroyed, but no fire occurred.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined that the accident was the result of multiple factors: Tbilisi ATC transferred the flight to Kutaisi ATC without confirming the aircraft's exact position; the aircraft was 37 kilometers behind schedule due to stronger-than-expected headwinds (120 km/h instead of 70 km/h); the crew received incorrect wind and speed information; and Kutaisi ATC misinterpreted the aircraft and issued instructions meant for another aircraft, causing an untimely descent.