Accident Details
On the day of the accident, a single-engine airplane departed Akhty Airport at 0932 local time for a return flight to Makhachkala with an intermediate stop in Derbent. While cruising at an altitude of 1,800 meters, weather conditions deteriorated with increasing cloud cover. As the aircraft flew in the direction of Mount Gestinkil (2,785 meters high), the captain decided to climb to 2,150 meters. The airplane then struck the 45-degree slope of a mountain located in the Magaramkent region, southern Dagestan.
Injuries and Rescue
The copilot sustained minor injuries and walked away to find help. Rescuers at the scene evacuated four injured people. Two passengers died from their injuries.
Investigation and Probable Cause
The official investigation determined the probable cause to be a controlled flight into terrain, resulting from the crew continuing under visual flight rules (VFR) in limited visibility due to clouds. A contributing factor was that airport authorities in Makhachkala and Akhty allowed the crew to take off despite deteriorating weather conditions.