Introduction
An aircraft on final approach to Türkmenabat Airport, following an uneventful flight from Ashgabat, encountered adverse weather conditions including thunderstorm activity, heavy rain, and limited visibility.
Incident Details
On short final, the crew lost visual contact with the runway for a few seconds, causing the aircraft to deviate to the right of the approach path. The crew decided to continue the approach. At a height of 12 metres, the right wing struck a mast. The aircraft caught fire, turned to the right, and crashed at a speed of 220 km/h, bursting into flames. The wreckage was located one kilometre from the runway end.
Evacuation and Injuries
All 38 occupants evacuated safely. Among them, five passengers sustained injuries. The aircraft was destroyed by fire.
Probable Cause
The approach was completed in very bad weather conditions and a first approach was abandoned a few minutes prior to the accident. During the second attempt to land, the crew lost visual contact with the runway for a few seconds, causing the aircraft to deviate to the right of the approach path. The crew decided to continue the approach in such conditions rather than initiating a new go-around procedure.