Departure and Delay
The aircraft departed Khabarovsk Airport with a delay of 3 hours and 35 minutes due to poor weather conditions.
Enroute Events
While cruising at an assigned altitude of 11,000 meters, the crew encountered poor weather conditions. The captain decided to gain height to avoid a low pressure area. Shortly later, while at an altitude of 12,000 meters, the airplane went out of control and nosed down.
Accident Sequence
The airplane dove into the ground and crashed at a 60° nose-down angle in a field located near Chita. The airplane disintegrated on impact. All 64 occupants were killed. Debris were scattered over a distance of about 450 meters.
Probable Cause (Official Findings)
The accident was the result of a loss of controllability due to atmospheric turbulences while cruising at an altitude of 12,000 meters which is in excess with the flying limitations and certification of the aircraft. Due to marginal weather conditions, the flight should be cancelled or postponed. The following factors contributed to the accident:
- Poor flight preparation on part of the ground operations, flying crew and flight director.
- The flight was delayed by 3 hours and 35 minutes, causing the aircraft to fly in worse weather conditions than predicted.
- Inadequate weather forecast.
- Poor weather conditions with atmospheric turbulences.
- Lack of clear instructions concerning the aircraft operation limitations (ceiling altitude).
- Violation of standard operating procedures.