What happened
A flight departing Akhty Airport for Makhachella, which included a planned stop in Derbent, encountered worsening weather conditions during its journey. While cruising at an altitude of 1,800 meters, the aircraft encountered increasing cloud cover. In an attempt to navigate around Mt Gestinkil, the pilot initiated a climb to 2,150 meters.
During this maneuver, the single-engine airplane impacted a 45-degree mountain slope in the southern part of Dagestan near Magaramkent. The impact resulted in two fatalities and several injuries. One crew member, the copilot, sustained minor injuries and was able to reach help on foot. Emergency responders arrived at the site and successfully evacuated four injured people from the wreckage.
Findings
The investigation concluded that the accident was a result of controlled flight into terrain. The crew attempted to maintain Visual Flight Rules (VFR) despite significantly reduced visibility caused by encroaching clouds. Additionally, investigators noted that weather conditions at both Akhty and Makhachkala airports were deteriorating, suggesting that takeoff should not have been authorized under such circumstances.