Incident Overview
On a charter flight from Tehran-Mehrabad Airport to Gorgan, a three-engine aircraft experienced a controlled flight into terrain while descending toward Sari Airport. The flight departed at 0645 local time with 30 occupants on board, including members of parliament and government officials traveling to inaugurate the new airport in Gorgan.
Flight and Diversion
En route, air traffic control informed the crew about deteriorating weather conditions at the destination and instructed them to divert to Sari Airport. While descending to Sari in marginal weather conditions, the crew failed to realize that the aircraft's altitude was too low. The aircraft subsequently struck the slope of a mountain located approximately 20 km south of Sari Airport.
Aftermath
The aircraft disintegrated upon impact, killing all 30 occupants. Among the passengers were Rahman Dadman, Iran's Minister of Transport, and two vice-ministers.
Probable Cause
Official findings state the probable cause as controlled flight into terrain while descending in stormy weather below the minimum descent altitude.