Baikal Airlines Flight 130 was a scheduled domestic flight from Irkutsk to the city of Surgut in Russia. On January 3, 1994, the Tupolev Tu-154 aircraft departed Irkutsk Airport but soon encountered adverse weather conditions, including heavy snow and low visibility, shortly after takeoff. The pilot and crew attempted to navigate through these challenging conditions, but the aircraft struggled to gain altitude. Approximately five minutes after takeoff, the flight experienced a loss of control and crashed near the small village of Mamoney, situated in the Irkutsk region. Emergency rescue teams faced difficulties reaching the remote crash site due to the harsh winter conditions, further complicating recovery efforts.

The aftermath of the crash revealed that all 125 individuals onboard had perished, including crew members and passengers. The investigation into the incident focused on various factors, including pilot training, aircraft maintenance, and the impact of severe weather. It ultimately highlighted the need for improved safety measures and regulations within the Russian aviation sector. The incident drew significant media attention both domestically and internationally, raising concerns over aviation safety in post-Soviet Russia as the country was struggling with the maintenance and modernization of its aging fleet.

This disaster served as a reminder of the safety challenges facing airlines operating in harsh weather conditions and underscored the importance of robust training and preparedness for flight crews. In the years following the incident, the aviation industry in Russia began implementing changes intended to enhance safety protocols, including stricter regulations on pilot training and aircraft operation, aimed at preventing such tragedies from recurring.