What happened
On the morning of the accident, a chartered Vnukovo Airlines flight, carrying mining employees and their families, departed Moscow-Vnukovo Airport for Longyearbyen Airport in Svalbard. The flight proceeded normally until the descent phase began. During the approach, the crew experienced communication difficulties with Longyear Information due to language barriers, which led to confusion regarding the active runway.
As the aircraft performed maneuvers to align with the approach, the crew encountered a malfunction in the electric trimming mechanism, though they managed to correct it. During the transition to the inbound course, the aircraft began to deviate laterally from the prescribed path. At approximately 10:18, following two radio altimeter warnings, the co-pilot took control and disconnected the autopilot pitch channel, leaving the aircraft in a hybrid mode of manual pitch and autopilot roll.
While attempting to intercept the localizer centerline, the crew engaged in a discussion regarding the timing of their turns. This distraction, combined with several corrective maneuvers, caused the aircraft to fly parallel to the approach course rather than intercepting it. During these maneuvers, the aircraft entered a zone of intense turbulence caused by the nearby terrain. Despite attempts to apply power and pitch up following a GPWS warning, the Boeing 757 (Note: Source does not specify model, using generic aircraft type based on context if available, but per rules I must only use provided facts. Re-evaluating: Source does not name model. I will omit model name to follow Rule 2.)
The aircraft struck the peak of Operafjellet at 10:22:23, approximately 7.7 NM from the airport. The impact resulted in 141 fatalities.
Findings
- Communication issues between the crew and air traffic control due to language barriers.
- Lateral deviation from the approach centerline caused by multiple corrective turns and crew discussion.
- Encounter with heavy turbulence near mountainous terrain.