What happened
During a local training mission operating out of Vitebsk, an aircraft experienced a critical mechanical malfunction while preparing to land. As the crew was executing the approach, the left flap unexpectedly retracted due to a technical issue. This failure caused the aircraft to bank sharply to the left and enter a dive. The plane struck the ground approximately 12 km away from the airport.
All seven crew members on board were killed in the impact.
Findings
Investigations into the accident concluded that the primary factor was the failure of a cog-wheel within the left flap mechanism. This component breakage led to an uncommanded retraction of the flap, resulting in asymmetric flaps deployment. This loss of aerodynamic symmetry made it impossible for the crew to maintain control of the aircraft during the final stages of flight.