Zone

Crash of an Antonov AN-26 on Mt Marz: 32 killed

Date & Time: Apr 23, 1993 at 1200 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
BNMAU-14102
Flight Phase:
Survivors:
No
Site:
Schedule:
Ulan Bator - Ölgii
MSN:
141 02
YOM:
1985
Country:
Region:
Crew on board:
6
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
26
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
32
Circumstances:
While descending to Ölgii Airport, the crew encountered poor weather conditions when the aircraft struck the slope of Mt Marz located in the Hangayn Nuruu Mountain Range. The aircraft disintegrated on impact and all 32 occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
Controlled flight into terrain after the crew initiated the descent prematurely, causing the aircraft to descend below the minimum prescribed altitude. Poor visibility due to poor weather conditions was a contributing factor.