What happened
The incident occurred during an approach to Srednekolymsk when deteriorating weather conditions led to a loss of radio communication with air traffic control. Unable to visually identify the airport, the pilot abandoned the initial approach and executed a go-around. Subsequent second and third attempts to land were also aborted due to the same operational difficulties.
During the fourth approach, while completing a turn, the pilot lost control of the aircraft. The plane stalled and impacted the surface of the Kolyma River, coming to rest approximately 400 meters short of the runway threshold. The crash resulted in significant loss of life, with 23 occupants killed and three passengers sustaining serious injuries.
Findings
Analysis of the event indicates that the aircraft was traveling at an insufficient speed during the final turn of the fourth approach. This low airspeed likely contributed to the stall and subsequent loss of control before impact.