What happened
During a night departure from Moscow-Vnukovo Airport, the aircraft began its climb when a sudden loss of altitude and a sharp right-hand bank occurred. The plane reached a 90-degree bank angle before colliding with power lines and crashing into a field situated roughly 10 km south of the airfield. The impact resulted in the total destruction of the airframe and 25 fatalities.
Findings
Investigations revealed that an explosive device containing between 400 and 800 grams of TNT detonated approximately 7 to 15 seconds after the aircraft rotated for takeoff. The device was positioned within carry-on luggage left on the cabin floor, potentially beneath seat 45. The force of the detonation severed control cables and ruptured the cabin floor and the left root section. This damage caused the aircraft to enter an uncontrolled descent, losing structural components at an altitude of approximately 200 meters prior to the final impact with the ground.