Accident Overview
A positioning flight departed Jalal-Abad en route to the "Komsomol" Airstrip, located in the Bazar-Kurgan district of the Osh region. Nine minutes after takeoff, the aircraft encountered weather conditions below minima—specifically low clouds and fog—over the Kara-Kiyakyr Mountain Range. The decision to turn back was made too late, and the aircraft entered a layer of fog before striking the slope of a mountain at an elevation of 970 metres. The mountain, 1,163 metres high, is situated west of Suzak at coordinates N40°53' E72°51', approximately 10.5 kilometres southwest of Jalal-Abad Airport.
Casualties and Survivors
On board were two pilots and one passenger, an aircraft mechanic. One of the pilots and the passenger were killed; the other pilot survived with injuries.
Official Findings
The investigation identified the probable cause as the captain's decision to continue the flight in below-minima weather conditions and his delayed decision to return. Additionally, air traffic control failed to inform the crew about the minimum safe altitude in the area and did not advise that weather conditions deteriorated en route. The weather bulletin issued by meteorologists was also found to be incomplete.
Contributing Factors
- Crew decision-making in adverse weather.
- Incomplete weather information provided by the meteorologist.
- Lack of communication from ATC regarding safe altitudes and weather changes.