Accident Details
The three-engine aircraft departed Irkutsk-Magan Airport at 2229 local time, cruising north at an altitude of 6,000 meters. Weather conditions en route were reported as good. While descending toward Bratsk Airport, the crew received the latest weather bulletin indicating no precipitation and visibility of 50 kilometers.
During the night approach, weather conditions deteriorated significantly, with heavy mixed rain and snow showers reducing visibility to one kilometer. On short final, the airplane lost altitude, struck trees, and crashed in flames 225 meters further, approximately 1,250 meters short of the runway threshold. The aircraft was destroyed by impact forces and a post-crash fire. All 18 occupants were killed.
Weather and ATC Communication
Investigators determined that air traffic control at Bratsk transmitted a weather bulletin to the crew that was outdated, referring to conditions at 2315 local time. ATC had attempted unsuccessfully to obtain an updated briefing and consequently relayed inaccurate information. The actual weather at the time of the approach featured heavy snow and rain showers.
Probable Cause
The official findings stated that ATC provided an incorrect weather bulletin to the crew. On final approach, heavy snow and rain showers accompanied by downdrafts and unfavorable winds caused the aircraft to lose height and crash. The possibility that the crew inadvertently selected reverse thrust during the final approach was not ruled out.