What happened
A cargo flight traveling from Magadan toward Gizhiga was in the process of descending toward Evensk Airport when it encountered significantly reduced visibility caused by low-hanging clouds. During this descent, at an altitude of approximately 800 meters, the aircraft type impacted the crest of a hill. Following this initial impact, the plane traveled several hundred meters before striking a second hill, which stood at an elevation of 760 meters. The accident occurred roughly 30 km west of its destination.
Despite the severity of the impact, all six occupants on board were successfully rescued from the wreckage. The aircraft sustained damage that rendered it a total loss.
Findings
Investigations into the accident concluded that the primary factor was pilot error. Specifically, the captain initiated the descent procedure prematurely. At the time the descent began, the crew lacked precise knowledge of their exact geographical position and were operating within cloud cover that prevented any visual contact with the terrain below.