What happened
The six-engine airplane departed Urganch bound for Tashkent, with a scheduled intermediate stop in Chardzhou, Turkmenistan. The flight carried 26 passengers and a crew of 10. While cruising at an altitude of 500 metres in relatively good weather conditions, the aircraft suddenly pitched down. It subsequently entered an uncontrolled descent and impacted the ground near Sirdarya, located approximately 86 km southwest of Tashkent Airport. The crash occurred at an angle of 80 degrees, resulting in a massive explosion that destroyed the airframe. All 36 occupants on board were killed.
Findings
Investigations determined that the captain was not seated at the controls at the time of the accident. A passenger who held a pilot license was occupying the captain's seat and had disconnected the automatic pilot. This individual then placed the aircraft into an incorrect attitude and configuration, causing it to nose down. The inquiry highlighted that the captain had a history of allowing unauthorized individuals to take over control of the aircraft. Contributing factors included a lack of discipline by the captain and insufficient supervision by the aviation authority.