Accident Details
A single-engine aircraft departed Dzhazator at 1512LT on a flight to Kosh-Agach. On board were five Ukrainian tourists, one local guide, and two pilots. Weather conditions were poor, with a low ceiling and rain. Visibility was insufficient and below minimums.
Sequence of Events
After departure, the crew mistakenly followed a wrong course. The aircraft first entered the Ak-Alakha canyon and then the Chad valley. In whiteout conditions, the crew observed a mountain and initiated a right turn. During the turn, the aircraft struck trees and crashed in a wooded area. There was no fire.
The wreckage was located 23 km south of Dzhazator. Both pilots and a passenger were killed, while five other occupants sustained serious injuries.
Official Probable Cause
The crew's decision to initiate the flight in below-minima weather conditions with low ceiling, rain, and snow. The crew became disoriented after takeoff and did not realize they were not following the correct route. Additionally, they continued the flight at an unsafe altitude.