What happened
During the final approach to Aldan Airport, the crew of the aircraft attempted to configure the plane for landing by extending the flaps to 42°. At a speed of 196 km/h, the aircraft experienced a sudden nose-up pitch to 42.5°. In response to this change in attitude, the flight crew initiated a go-around procedure. However, as the airspeed decreased to 52 km/h, the aircraft entered a stall.
The subsequent impact occurred approximately 273 metres before reaching the runway threshold and 160 metres to the left of the extended centerline. The force of the crash resulted in the total destruction of the aircraft and caused 24 fatalities, with no survivors among the occupants.
Findings
Investigations into the accident revealed that the aircraft was operating significantly over its weight limitations. At the time of departure from Yakutsk Airport, the plane's total weight exceeded the maximum takeoff weight by 623 kilograms. Furthermore, upon arrival at Aldan Airport, the load was 550 kilograms above the maximum landing weight.
A primary contributing factor was the improper distribution of cargo, as over 400 kilograms of baggage had been loaded into the rear compartment. This excessive rear loading caused the center of gravity to shift outside of permissible limits.