Accident Sequence
The aircraft was completing a cargo flight from Krasnoyarsk to Yeniseysk and was returning to Krasnoyarsk as a ferry flight. The approach to Krasnoyarsk Airport began 20 minutes after sunset. In conditions of limited visibility, the crew failed to recognize that the aircraft was flying at an insufficient altitude.
Approximately 55 meters before the middle marker, the airplane struck tree tops, then descended and successively struck a telegraph pole, a wooden fence, and a hangar. It crashed in flames 85 meters after the middle marker.
Casualties
Three crew members were killed in the accident. The radio navigator sustained serious injuries and died three days later from those injuries.
Investigation Findings
The official investigation stated that the exact cause of the accident could not be determined with certainty. However, it was reported that the crew apparently started the descent prematurely for an unknown reason.