What happened
During a local training mission at Frunze-Manas Airport, the crew was performing maneuvers to simulate a dual engine failure. As part of this procedure, both the number 3 and number 4 engines on the right side were shut down while the aircraft was on final approach. While maintaining a speed of 300 km/h and positioned 3,500 metres from the runway threshold, the crew extended the flaps to 30°. At this moment, the aircraft entered a zone where visibility was reduced to less than 1,500 metres.
In response to the visibility conditions, the captain attempted a go-around by attempting to restart both right-side engines. However, engine number 3 failed to relight. This left the aircraft with insufficient airspeed to maintain controlled flight. The plane subsequently entered a steep right bank of approximately 55 to 60 degrees, resulting in a loss of altitude and a crash into flames before reaching the runway threshold. The accident resulted in six fatalities among the crew, and the aircraft type was completely destroyed.
Findings
Investigations concluded that several operational errors by the flight crew led to an uncontrollable aircraft configuration. A significant factor involved the cockpit arrangement, as the instructor permitted a trainee pilot to occupy the left forward seat despite having insufficient experience for the specific flight profile being executed. Additionally, the decision to deploy 30° flaps while both right engines were inactive caused the airspeed to drop to a critical level of 220 km/h. The attempt to restart the engines was also determined to have been initiated too late to prevent the loss of control.