Accident Details
A cargo flight from Moscow to Baku, with intermediate stops in Voronezh and Stalingrad, was carrying 1,793 kilograms of various goods, including 517 kilograms of brass sheets and mail. The approach to Stalingrad Airport was conducted at night under marginal weather conditions. While on final approach, at a height of approximately 250 meters and about 2,300 meters short of the runway, the aircraft lost altitude, stalled, and crashed in a snow-covered field approximately 60 meters to the right of the centerline. The impact broke the aircraft in two. The radio operator sustained serious injuries, while three other occupants were killed.
Investigation
The investigation revealed that the young copilot was seated in the left seat and the captain in the right seat at the time of the accident. This seating arrangement was against all regulations and company procedures, as the captain did not have sufficient experience to complete a night approach in such a configuration. The stall was caused by an insufficient approach speed due to an inadequate approach configuration on the part of the crew, who failed to monitor their instruments properly, especially the speed indicator. Contributory factors included lack of coordination during final approach, negligence, lack of discipline, wrong approach configuration, and poor flight preparation.
Probable Cause
The official finding determined that the accident resulted from the crew's failure to maintain adequate approach speed due to improper configuration and inadequate instrument monitoring. The investigation also cited the improper seating arrangement of the copilot in the left seat, contrary to regulations, as a contributing element. Contributory factors included lack of coordination during final approach, negligence, lack of discipline, wrong approach configuration, and poor flight preparation.