The pilots were unable to return to Minsk, and instead made a forced landing into a forest, resulting in the deaths of fifty eight of the eighty people on board.

[1] Six seconds after takeoff, at an altitude of 35 metres (115 ft) and with a speed of 325 km/h (175 kn; 202 mph), a rapid loss of power occurred in the left-hand engine, accompanied by unusual noises ("pops") and a drop in exhaust gas temperature.

The pilots levelled the wings and continued climbing, with the co-pilot reporting the engine failure to air traffic control, and requesting an immediate return to the airport.

The aircraft sustained major damage as it reached the ground, where it burst into flames except for the tail section.

[1][2] The crash site was located 10 kilometres (6.2 mi; 5.4 nmi) east of Minsk National Airport, and was reached by search groups after three hours.