Accident Overview
On a cargo flight from Novosibirsk to Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, the aircraft struck a mountain while descending to its destination, resulting in the destruction of the aircraft and the deaths of all 20 people on board. The flight originated at Novosibirsk-Yeltsovka Airport and was carrying 11 passengers, nine crew members, and a cargo load of 57 tons comprising meat and detergent powder. The aircraft disappeared from radar after hitting the slope of a mountain approximately 40 kilometers from the threshold of runway 34R at Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky Airport. The impact caused the aircraft to disintegrate, and the wreckage was found 300 meters below the summit.
Flight Details
During takeoff from Novosibirsk, the aircraft's total weight exceeded the maximum takeoff weight by 17 tons. As the flight approached Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, visibility was restricted by low clouds. While descending at an altitude of 900 meters, the aircraft was not on the correct track for the airport. It was later determined that the aircraft was off course by 23 kilometers when it struck the mountain.
Contributing Factors
The official investigation identified the accident as a controlled flight into terrain. Several factors were cited as contributing to the event. The crew had incorrectly set the navigation system, causing them to deviate from the approach procedures and the proper track. Air traffic control issued a premature clearance to descend without having the aircraft's precise position on radar, as the aircraft was not yet within radar coverage. The lack of visibility due to low clouds further hindered the crew's ability to correct the course deviation.
Wreckage and Casualties
The aircraft disintegrated upon impact with the mountainous terrain. All 20 occupants—11 passengers and nine crew members—were killed. The wreckage was located 300 meters below the summit of the mountain, approximately 40 km from the airport.