What happened
Shortly after departing from runway 01 at Moscow-Vnukovo Airport, the crew received an alert indicating a fire in the left engine. Following this alarm, the flight crew declared an emergency and proceeded with the initial climb. After performing several turns, the aircraft began an approach to the same runway under marginal weather conditions and at night.
During the final approach phase, the aircraft descended below the minimum descent altitude. The plane struck the ground at a speed of 350 km/h in a snow-covered field near a wooded area, approximately 1,548 meters before reaching the runway threshold. The impact caused a fire that destroyed the aircraft. The accident resulted in 59 fatalities (including 58 passengers and one flight attendant) and 61 injuries.
Findings
Investigations concluded that the engine fire alarm was actually a false indication. The temperature in the left engine compartment had risen to 253° C because a pipe connected to the anti-icing system had become disconnected.
Several contributing factors led to the crash, most notably a series of errors by the flight crew during the approach. These included:
- Conducting an approach in icing conditions and at night while operating on a single engine.
- The aircraft's total weight exceeded the maximum landing weight by 10,201 kg.
- The approach was performed with a tailwind and at an excessive speed.
- The crew descended prematurely below the MDA.
- A lack of effective coordination and communication between the crew members.
- The navigator did not notify the captain that the decision height was set at 120 meters.
- The GPWS was deactivated during the approach.
- The co-pilot failed to adequately monitor instruments, leading to a rightward deviation and subsequent loss of altitude.