Aircraft Crash Near Saratov-Tsentralny Airport (CCCP-05706)

Incident Overview During a descent to Saratov-Tsentralny Airport, the crew contacted air traffic control and received clearance to continue the approach. The flight was conducted in poor visibility caused by low clouds and rain. The aircraft struck tree tops and crashed in a wooded area located 4.5 km west of the airport. The crew did not recognize that the aircraft's altitude was insufficient before impact. Due to the adverse weather conditions, rescue personnel arrived at the scene at 2200 local time in the evening. The copilot and an illegal passenger sustained serious injuries, while 14 other occupants were killed.