Incident
The aircraft was on a humanitarian mission to Leninakan, carrying soldiers, first aid supplies, medics, and goods for victims of a recent earthquake. While on final approach at night, the aircraft disappeared from radar screens after striking the slope of a mountain located 15 kilometers from the airport.
Casualties and Survivors
All 9 crew members and 68 of the 69 passengers were killed. A survivor was found among the debris; he had been seated on the deck of a truck parked in the cargo compartment. He died the following day.
Probable Cause
According to official findings, the accident was caused by an error on part of the crew who set a wrong altimeter pressure prior to descent to Leninakan Airport. The wrong altimeter setting (734 mm instead of 634 mm) caused the aircraft to descend below the minimum prescribed altitude by 1,100 metres.