Accident Overview
An aircraft on final approach to Kharkiv-Osnova Airport crashed under night and marginal weather conditions. The accident occurred 2,300 meters short of the runway and 150 meters to the right of its extended center line. The aircraft was destroyed upon impact.
Circumstances
During the final approach, the pilot-in-command descended to an excessively low altitude. Upon sighting a railway, the pilot attempted to avoid a collision with electric poles by executing a right turn. The aircraft stalled and subsequently crashed nose-first into a garden near houses.
Casualties and Damage
Among the occupants, 15 were killed and one passenger sustained serious injuries. The aircraft was destroyed.
Official Findings
The investigation determined that the crew adopted a wrong approach configuration. Both engines were running at idle when the pilot attempted to avoid obstacles. The accident was attributed to poor approach techniques on the part of the flying crew, conducted contrary to published procedures given the weather conditions.