Flight and Incident
A cargo flight operating from Dudinka to the settlement of Khantaiskoye Ozero in the Taimyr region occurred during polar night. The crew decided to modify their itinerary and take a shorter route despite poor visibility. While approaching Khantaiskoye Ozero, the crew could not establish the aircraft's position because the frequency of the radio beacon at the destination had been changed without prior notice. The crew began a descent, and the aircraft subsequently struck the northern slope of a mountain at an elevation of 1,016 meters. The mountain itself was 1,044 meters high, located approximately 28 kilometers east of Khantaiskoye Ozero.
Rescue
The copilot was killed in the crash. The captain sustained serious injuries and was rescued two days later, on December 26, 1973.
Investigation
Investigators determined the probable cause of the accident to be wrong decisions taken en route by the crew, who decided to modify their itinerary. The unannounced change in the frequency of the destination radio beacon was considered as a contributory factor.