Accident Sequence
Shortly after takeoff from Sochi-Adler Airport, the airplane was climbing by night at an altitude of 200 meters. It initiated a right turn according to departure procedures, then made a left turn, entered a dive, and crashed into the Black Sea about 10 kilometers offshore.
Search and Recovery
Debris and bodies were recovered in the evening following the crash. The main wreckage sank to a depth of approximately 1,000 meters and was not recovered.
Investigation
The official investigation determined that, due to lack of evidence, the exact cause of the accident could not be established with certainty. However, two hypotheses were considered: failure of an instrument or an in-flight collision with migratory birds. These possibilities were not ruled out.
Probable Cause
The probable cause remains undetermined. The loss of control may have been caused by instrument failure or a bird strike, but no definitive conclusion was reached.