What happened
A medical transport mission organized by a hospital in Kyzyl resulted in the loss of an aircraft while traveling toward Toora-Khem. The flight was carrying 14 people, including two pilots, six medical staff members, four companions, and two patients. Following departure, the crew received clearance to ascend to 2,300 meters on a northward heading.
During the flight, the crew communicated their position over the mountainous terrain to air traffic control and provided details regarding their next reporting point. However, the crew subsequently chose to deviate from the original flight plan in favor of a shorter path. During this period, weather conditions deteriorated, characterized by heavy snowfall and reduced visibility.
While maintaining an altitude of 2,330 meters, the single-engine aircraft collided with a rock face measuring 2,466 meters in height. The impact caused the plane to disintegrate. Although search and rescue operations began immediately after the flight failed to reach its destination, the wreckage was not located until November 6, approximately 76 km north of Kyzyl. There were 14 fatalities involving all occupants on board.
Findings
The investigation determined that the crew elected to change their trajectory without obtaining necessary authorization from air traffic control. Furthermore, the flight continued through instrument meteorological conditions at an altitude that was inadequate for the terrain, leading to controlled flight into terrain.