Prior to departure of the flight from Chardzou (now Trkmenabat) to Urgench, the captain was observed consuming multiple glasses of vodka. He ordered the copilot to perform the takeoff while staying in the passenger cabin himself. During the flight he harassed a female passenger and asked the passengers for vodka. He then entered the cockpit and commented on the copilot, eventually taking over control. He brought the plane in a dive from which the copilot recovered. During another dive, the copilot and flight engineer took over control. During the manoeuvre the propellers had touched the ground. The aircraft climbed 100 m but both engines lost power. A forced landing was carried out during which the aircraft broke up. All 4 crew members and all passengers escaped unhurt.