Incident Overview
A cargo aircraft operating a flight from Moscow to Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky with an intermediate stop in Bratsk experienced an in-flight fire during cruise. The crew declared an emergency and notified air traffic control of the fire. Initiating an emergency descent, the aircraft broke into three sections at an altitude of 7,000 meters and subsequently crashed in a wooded area near Novaya Inya. The aircraft was totally destroyed in the impact, and all 18 persons on board were killed.
Aircraft and Occupants
The aircraft was carrying nine passengers and nine crew members. The cargo load consisted of 36 tons, including one aircraft engine and construction materials.
Accident Sequence
While cruising at 9,600 meters, the crew reported an in-flight fire and began an emergency descent. At approximately 7,000 meters, the aircraft broke into three pieces before crashing into forested terrain.
Aftermath
The wreckage was scattered across the wooded area, and the aircraft was completely destroyed. There were no survivors among the 18 occupants.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined the probable cause to be an in-flight fire for unknown reasons.