The Antonov An-26, a twin-engine turboprop transport aircraft, was operating as Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky Air Flight 251 when it crashed on approach to Palana Airport in the Russian Far East. The flight had taken off from Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, and during its approach, the aircraft encountered difficulties which led to its tragic descent. All 28 people on board, including passengers and crew, perished instantly upon impact. Eyewitness accounts indicated adverse weather conditions, including fog and low visibility, which may have contributed to the pilot's challenges while approaching the airport's runway.

In the immediate aftermath, search and recovery operations were initiated, leading to the discovery of wreckage in a remote area. The Russian aviation authorities quickly began an investigation into the crash, examining both human and mechanical factors that could have led to the incident. Speculations regarding the pilot's decisions, along with maintenance records of the aircraft, became focal points for investigators in seeking to uncover the truth behind this tragic accident. The lack of successful communication from the flight crew before the crash raised questions about their situational awareness and decision-making process at a critical moment.

During the investigations, the history of similar accidents involving the Antonov An-26 and other aircraft types was reviewed in context to develop strategies to mitigate future risks. The incident exposed vulnerabilities in the aviation safety protocols in Russia, leading to calls for improved pilot training and more stringent regulatory oversight of small airport operations. Additionally, it served as a reminder of the perils faced by regional aircraft that operate in less-than-ideal weather conditions, highlighting the need for robust contingency planning for flights in remote areas.