What happened
The aircraft was conducting a scheduled flight from Kresty Kolymsky to Anadyr for the operator Chukotskaya Aviagruppa. During the journey, the pilot encountered deteriorating weather conditions that fell below operational minima, characterized by poor visibility, snow, and icing. Rather than turning back or diverting to a safer location, the decision was made to proceed with the flight despite these hazardous conditions.
The aircraft subsequently crash-landed in the foothills of the Pekulny mountain range, specifically on the upper reaches of the Afonkin River. The site of the accident was located approximately 60 km east of Stalino, which is now known as Mukhomornaya. All three members of the crew survived the incident with slight injuries and were subsequently rescued from the area.
Findings
The official investigation concluded that the primary factor leading to the accident was an incorrect decision by the captain to continue the flight while operating in weather conditions that were below the required minima for safe navigation.