It was operated by East German airline Interflug from 1974 to 1990 with registrations DM-SCT, DDR-SCT and D-AOBH.

Upon approaching Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, the crew received weather information indicating moderate winds and light rain.

However, weather conditions deteriorated rapidly, and a heavy downpour ensued just as the aircraft was landing.

As a result of hydroplaning, the aircraft could not stop effectively, overran the runway, traveled onto the safety area, and crashed into a concrete drainage ditch, breaking apart and catching fire.

The evacuation process was hindered by poor communication between the Russian pilots and Nigerian cabin crew, likely due to a language barrier.