Accident Overview
During a night approach to Kiev-Zhuliany Airport, the airplane was performing a fourth turn to join the approach path when it struck the ground at a speed of 420 km/h. The landing gear and flaps were in the retracted position. The impact caused a massive explosion, and the aircraft was totally destroyed. The wreckage came to rest in a field located 16 kilometers west of the airport. All 29 passengers and crew on board were killed.
Course of Events
The crew had been instructed by air traffic control to reduce the approach speed, a directive that was transmitted twice. However, the crew did not comply with these instructions. Additionally, the fourth turn to final approach was initiated later than intended, and only after a reminder from ATC. The aircraft continued its descent without proper configuration for landing.
Investigation Findings
The official investigation identified the probable cause: the crew proceeded with the night approach without correctly establishing the necessary atmospheric pressure settings. Several contributing factors were noted:
- The airfield pressure was not set on the captain's instrument (designated 2077).
- The selected approach procedure was not established.
- The altimeters were not set to the correct airfield pressure.
- The crew disregarded ATC speed reduction instructions.
- The fourth turn was delayed and prompted by an ATC reminder.
These errors led to the aircraft being at an incorrect altitude and position, culminating in the ground impact.