What happened
During a flight originating from Moscow-Domodedovo Airport, the crew attempted an approach to Yakutsk-Intl Airport. Because visibility had dropped below required minimums due to adverse weather, the flight was diverted to Magan Airport. During the landing sequence, the aircraft passed over the runway threshold at a speed of 297 km/h and an altitude of 22 meters. The aircraft experienced a long float of 22 seconds before making contact with the runway 1,647 meters beyond the threshold.
Following the initial touchdown, the pilot maintained a nose-up pitch for nine seconds before the nose gear made contact with the surface. The crew did not engage reverse thrust, and although the spoilers were eventually deployed, the deployment occurred too late to effectively decelerate the plane. As the aircraft reached a point 47 meters from the runway exit, the captain shut down all four engines while the plane was still traveling at 167 km/h. The aircraft subsequently exited the runway, descended into an embankment, and lost its landing gear. The final position of the aircraft was 538 meters past the runway end, totaling 3,978 meters from the threshold and 2,331 meters from the initial touchdown point.
While 185 occupants were evacuated without harm, four passengers sustained injuries. The aircraft was declared a total loss.
Findings
Investigation into the incident suggests that the pilot's decision to maintain a nose-up attitude prevented effective braking and deceleration, contributing to the runway excursion.