Accident Details
The aircraft was operating a scheduled service between Moscow and Batumi, flown by the Russian Air Force twice a month. On board were Russian soldiers and their family members returning to their base in Batumi after a leave period.
Due to poor weather conditions west of Batumi, air traffic control cleared the crew to initiate an approach to Batumi-Chorokh Airport from the northeast for runway 31, deviating from the usual approach from the sea to runway 13.
While descending in poor visibility at an altitude of 940 meters and a speed of 340 km/h, the aircraft struck the slope of Mount Mtirala, which has a height of 1,336 meters and is located approximately 17 km northeast of Batumi Airport. The aircraft disintegrated on impact, and all 84 occupants were killed.
Investigation
The official investigation determined the probable cause of the accident. The following contributing factors were identified: a navigational error by the crew during the final stage of the approach, air traffic control at Batumi Airport failed to determine the exact position of the aircraft and did not warn the crew accordingly, the crew's decision to continue the approach under such conditions rather than divert to a suitable alternate airport, and erroneous data transmitted by ground navigational aids in the Batumi area.
Probable Cause
Controlled flight into terrain after the crew continued the approach in poor weather conditions below the minimum prescribed altitude and while deviated from the approach path. Contributing factors included navigational error, ATC failure to warn, crew decision to continue, and erroneous navigation aid data.