Background
The flight was a local training operation at Frunze-Manas Airport. During the approach, the crew intentionally shut down both right engines (number 3 and 4) to simulate a dual engine failure scenario.
Sequence of Events
On final approach, at a distance of 3,500 meters from the runway threshold and a speed of 300 km/h, the crew extended the flaps to 30°. At that moment, the aircraft entered an area of limited visibility, with less than 1,500 meters of forward sight. The captain decided to abort the landing and initiated a go-around, triggering the restart of both right engines. For reasons that were not determined, engine number 3 failed to restart. Due to insufficient airspeed, the aircraft began to bank to the right, reaching an angle of 55 to 60 degrees. The aircraft subsequently lost altitude and impacted the ground short of the runway threshold, catching fire. The aircraft was completely destroyed, and all six crew members on board lost their lives.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined that the accident resulted from multiple errors by the flight crew. The instructor allowed a pilot under training to occupy the front left seat, despite the pilot's lack of experience and capability for the demanding flight conditions. The decision to deploy flaps to 30° while both right engines were inoperative caused the aircraft's speed to decrease to a critical 220 km/h. Furthermore, the crew's decision to restart the right engines was made too late.