Runway excursion at Kulob Airport involving aircraft during heavy snowfall

No fatalities • Kulob, Tajikistan • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft arriving from Moscow-Domodedovo Airport overran the runway at Kulob Airport during heavy snow, resulting in significant damage but no fatalities.

What happened

During a flight originating from Moscow-Domodedovo Airport, the crew received clearance to land on runway 01 at Kulob Airport. The arrival occurred amidst heavy snowfall. Upon touchdown, the aircraft type (not specified in source) reached a speed of 255 km/h and crossed the runway threshold by 230 metres.

As the crew initiated braking maneuvers, the aircraft traveled approximately 520 metres before the right main landing gear struck a snow berm. During this excursion, both engines struck a snow accumulation that was approximately 95 cm deep, leading to engine failure due to massive snow ingestion. The aircraft subsequently veered toward the right side of the runway, resulting in the loss of the nose gear. The sequence ended when the plane came to a stop 20 metres from the runway edge and 1,190 metres from the threshold.

Despite the impact, all 192 occupants successfully evacuated the aircraft without any 0 fatalities or injuries reported. The aircraft sustained damage that rendered it a total loss.

Findings

  • The primary factor in the engine failure was the ingestion of heavy amounts of snow into both engines after striking a snow berm.
  • The presence of significant snow accumulation (up to 95 cm) contributed to the loss of control and structural damage to the landing gear.

Probable cause

The ingestion of heavy snow into both engines caused them to stop after the aircraft struck a snow berm during a runway excursion.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2014-02-02 Airbus A320 accident near Kulob, Tajikistan?

An aircraft arriving from Moscow-Domodedovo Airport overran the runway at Kulob Airport during heavy snow, resulting in significant damage but no fatalities.

Were there any fatalities in the 2014-02-02 Airbus A320 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2014-02-02 involved a Airbus A320, registration EY-623, operated by East Air - Tajikistan, at Kulob, Tajikistan.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The ingestion of heavy snow into both engines caused them to stop after the aircraft struck a snow berm during a runway excursion.

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