What happened
During a positioning flight originating in Krasnoyarsk with a scheduled stop in Lensk, the crew intended to reach Prokovsk. Although Prokovsk was the final destination, the airfield was deemed unsuitable for nighttime operations, prompting an approach to Yakutsk-Magan Airport instead.
As the crew proceeded toward Prokovsk, they encountered significant difficulties due to nighttime conditions and falling snow. During the approach, several vehicles were observed parked along the runway with their lights illuminated. The lack of visibility prevented the crew from maintaining visual contact with the ground, resulting in two missed approaches.
On the third attempt to land, the aircraft struck power lines and pine trees before crashing into an open field. The impact caused the wreckage to burst into flames. There were three fatalities among the occupants of the flight.
Findings
- Low visibility caused by nighttime conditions and snowfall.
- The crew's inability to maintain visual contact with the ground during the landing sequence.