What happened
During a flight along the Khani River valley, the crew encountered severe weather characterized by rain and cloud cover that had descended below minimum visibility requirements. While navigating this area, the aircraft struck a mountain peak measuring 1,860 metres in height within the Udokan Plateau region of Zabaykalsky Kray. The impact occurred at an altitude of approximately 1,800 metres.
Search efforts were delayed, and the wreckage was not located until July 16, eleven days after the incident. There were four fatalities among the crew members on board.
Findings
- The flight was operating in below-minima weather conditions involving low clouds and precipitation.
- The collision occurred during the mountain transit phase of the flight.