Night Diversion and Crash Near Ust-Orda Airport (CCCP-42452)

Diversion and Approach Conditions On the leg from Omsk to Irkutsk, the crew was informed 160 km from the destination that weather at Irkutsk Airport had deteriorated and was diverted to Ust-Orda Airport. At the time, Ust-Orda reported a cloud base of 250 meters, snowfall, and visibility of 3 km. ## Go-Around and Impact During a night approach, the nose gear light was unserviceable, prompting the captain to initiate a go-around. The procedure was delayed for an unknown reason, and the aircraft completed a low pass over the runway for about 2 km. At a height of 10-15 meters, the captain turned left, and the airplane struck power cables. The aircraft stalled and crashed in flames on hilly terrain near the airport. ## Casualties and Damage Forty-six passengers were uninjured, while 19 occupants were injured. Three crew members—the navigator, the radio operator, and the mechanic—were killed. The aircraft was totally destroyed by a post-crash fire. ## Official Findings The investigation found that the captain’s decision to perform a go-around was comprehensive, but the very low pass at 10-15 meters above the runway was unacceptable. Investigators determined that weather at Irkutsk Airport was not as bad as reported, making the ATC decision to divert to Ust-Orda unnecessary. The pilot was flying to Ust-Orda for the first time and lacked knowledge of the airport environment, which was considered a contributing factor.