Approach and Descent
The aircraft was on a flight from Krasnoyarsk. During the descent to Norilsk-Alykel Airport, the crew lowered the undercarriage at an altitude of about 600 meters and a speed of 370 km/h. At a distance of 19 km from the airport, at an altitude of 500 meters and a speed of 300 km/h, flaps were deployed to an angle of 28 degrees.
Speed Calculation Error
The crew calculated the landing speed at 265 km/h based on flight conditions and the total weight of the aircraft. However, the correct landing speed was 270 km/h.
Collision with Ground
On short final, the airplane descended below the glide path and struck the ground at a speed of 261 km/h approximately 470 meters short of the runway threshold. The aircraft slid for about 300 meters on icy ground before coming to rest and bursting into flames.
Casualties and Damage
Among the occupants, 68 were injured and 99 were killed, including four crew members. The aircraft was destroyed.
Probable Cause
The accident resulted from a loss of longitudinal controllability on short final due to the combination of the following factors:
- A significant reduction in the efficiency of the stabilizers after they were positioned beyond an angle of -20°,
- An automatic reduction of power on all three engines close to idle,
- An aircraft with a forward center of gravity,
- An insufficient approach speed,
- An excessive rate of descent,
- The late recognition by the crew of an emergency situation,
- The failure of the crew to initiate a go-around procedure.