What happened
Following a departure from Khabarovsk Airport that was delayed by over three hours due to adverse weather, the aircraft was cruising at 11,000 meters when the crew encountered difficult meteorological conditions. In an attempt to bypass a low-pressure system, the captain initiated a climb to a higher altitude. Upon reaching 12,000 meters, the aircraft experienced a loss of control and entered a steep 60-degree nose-down dive.
The plane struck the ground in a field situated near Chita, resulting in the total disintegration of the airframe. The impact caused debris to be distributed across an area spanning approximately 450 meters. There were 64 fatalities among all occupants on board.
Findings
Investigations concluded that the accident was triggered by atmospheric turbulence that led to a loss of controllability when the aircraft exceeded its certified operational altitude limits. Several contributing factors were identified:
- The flight was operating in weather conditions that surpassed the aircraft's structural and certification capabilities.
- Inadequate weather forecasting and poor preparation by ground operations, the flight director, and the crew.
- The significant departure delay resulted in the aircraft encountering much more severe weather than originally anticipated.
- A lack of specific guidance regarding the aircraft's maximum altitude limitations.
- Non-compliance with standard operating procedures during the flight.