What happened
During the final approach to runway 23 at Almaty Airport, an aircraft experienced a critical failure while flying at an altitude of approximately 400 metres. The left engine ignited, leading to an explosion mid-flight. Following this event, the plane began a rapid descent, traveling at speeds between 150 and 190 km/h. The aircraft impacted a snow-covered field located 3,280 metres before reaching the runway threshold. The impact and subsequent fire resulted in the total destruction of the airframe. There were 90 fatalities among the occupants.
Findings
Investigations into the accident identified that a failure within a fuel line on the left engine allowed fuel to leak. This leaking fuel ignited upon contact with hot air from the aircraft's heating system, which had been released due to a failed seal. The mechanical failure also involved a fuel pump breaking away from its position. Additionally, the incident caused high levels of carbon monoxide to permeate both the cockpit and the passenger cabin.