What happened
A medical transport mission, traveling from Sangar to Segyan-Kyuel, was delayed several hours due to unfavorable weather conditions. At the time of departure, the area was characterized by scattered and overcast cloud layers, with temperatures at -22° C. Shortly before takeoff, the aircraft's passenger load increased unexpectedly when three additional individuals arrived without prior tickets, resulting in a total of ten passengers and two crew members. Due to a lack of available seating, two passengers were required to sit in the aisle on luggage.
During the flight, the Antonov aircraft climbed through mountainous terrain while operating under Visual Flight Rules (VFR). At an altitude of approximately 1,300 metres, the aircraft encountered intense turbulence and a significant downdraft. In an effort to counteract the descent, the crew increased engine power to takeoff levels. However, as the terrain elevation rose, the pilot attempted a 180-degree left turn over downsloping terrain to avoid the mountains.
This maneuver resulted in a bank angle of 30 degrees, exceeding the recommended 20 degrees, which further increased the aircraft's rate of descent. The aircraft eventually rolled to a 120-degree angle, causing the left wing to strike a cliff. The impact caused the aircraft to lose speed and crash into the snow-covered mountainside. The aircraft was destroyed, but all 12 occupants were successfully rescued, including four seriously injured individuals.
Findings
- The crew was not informed of the presence of moderate orographic turbulence or potential downdrafts occurring between 900 and 1,700 metres.
- The aircraft was operating below the minimum safe altitude of 2,515 metres while navigating high-elevation terrain.
- The excessive bank angle during the emergency turn contributed to the increased rate of descent and subsequent impact with the terrain.