Investigation Summary
While cruising at 5,400 meters, the Antonov An-24B abruptly departed controlled flight. The aircraft accelerated to a velocity of approximately 1,000 km/h, far exceeding its structural limits. As it descended through 2,700 meters, the airframe succumbed to intense g-forces and disintegrated. The fuselage impacted an area of deep snow in the Bolshesosnovsky District in an inverted position. Four individuals initially survived the impact, but the crash site was remote and the ambient temperature was a lethal -41 degrees Celsius. Due to the extreme conditions and the time required for rescuers to locate the wreckage, all four survivors succumbed to exposure. Investigators discovered foreign green paint fragments on the wreckage that did not match the aircraft's livery, leading to theories of a surface-to-air missile strike or a collision with a target drone. However, the Soviet Ministry of Defence maintained that no military exercises were active in the sector at the time.
Final Conclusions
The official cause of the crash remains undetermined. The investigation confirmed the aircraft suffered an in-flight breakup due to aerodynamic loads during a high-speed spiral, but the trigger for the initial loss of control could not be identified. The presence of unexplained paint dots remains the primary evidence for the unofficial theory of an accidental military shootdown.
Video Analysis
No video analysis linked for this case file yet.
Airframe & Maintenance
Systems & Failure Modes
Airframe Structure
Suffered a catastrophic failure at 2,700 meters due to aerodynamic loads exceeding design limits.
Interesting Facts
- 01The aircraft reached a terminal velocity of 1,000 km/h during its final descent.
- 02Investigators found dots of green paint on the wreckage that did not originate from the aircraft.
- 03The fuselage came to rest in an inverted position.
- 04The Soviet Ministry of Defence denied any military activity in the area during the time of the accident.
Known Controversies & Unanswered Questions
Alleged Missile Shootdown
Reference ↗Unofficial theories suggest the aircraft was accidentally struck by a Soviet surface-to-air missile or a target drone, supported by the discovery of foreign paint on the wreckage, though this was never officially confirmed.