IrAero

Antonov AN-24

Following an uneventful flight from Chita, the crew initiated the approach to Blagoveshchensk in poor weather conditions with reduced visibility, heavy rain falls, thunderstorm activity and a cloud base at 150 metres. On final approach, despite he did establish any visual contact with the runway or its light system, the captain continued the approach and passed below the MDA. As the aircraft was not properly aligned with the runway centerline, it descended too low and impacted trees 210 meters to the right of the centerline and 50 meters short of runway 36. Upon impact, the left wing was torn off and the aircraft crashed in a wooded area. It slid over a distance of 450 metres before coming to rest. There was no fire. All 41 occupants were rescued, among them 9 were injured.