What happened
During a nighttime mission to deliver medical supplies, personnel, and essential goods to earthquake victims, an aircraft disappeared from radar tracking while approaching Leninakan. The flight was intended to transport soldiers and medics to the region to assist with disaster relief efforts. During the final approach phase, the plane impacted a mountain slope situated approximately 15 km from the destination airport.
The impact resulted in a massive loss of life, with 69 fatalities and only one survivor recorded among the wreckage. The sole survivor, who had been positioned in the cargo area on a truck deck, succumbed to his injuries the next day. In total, the accident claimed the lives of 9 crew members and 68 passengers.
Findings
Investigations into the crash identified a critical error regarding the aircraft's instruments. The crew had incorrectly configured the altimeter pressure settings before beginning their descent into Leninakan Airport. Specifically, the altimeter was set to 734 mm instead of the required 634 mm. This incorrect altimeter setting led the aircraft to descend to an altitude 1,100 meters below the minimum safety limits prescribed for the approach.