47 fatalities

1994-08-05: Antonov AN-12 — Russian Air Force - Voyenno-vozdushnye sily Rossii — Bada, Russia

Bada, RussiaLanding (descent or approach)

On August 5, 1994, an Antonov AN-12 operated by Russian Air Force - Voyenno-vozdushnye sily Rossii was involved in an aviation accident near Bada, Russia during landing or approach. 47 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The crew decided to continue the approach in low visibility and failed to initiate a go-around despite the fact that no visual contact with the runway was established. The aircraft was not properly aligned on the approach path. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781208774Data APIEditorial standards

A four-engine aircraft struck a hill during approach to Bada Airfield in poor weather with heavy rain, resulting in the destruction of the aircraft and the deaths of all 47 occupants.

Accident

The accident occurred during the approach to Bada Airfield. Weather conditions were poor with low visibility due to heavy rainfall. On final approach, the four-engine aircraft collided with a hill that was 140 meters high, located 5,200 meters short of the runway and 430 meters to the right of its extended centerline. The aircraft was destroyed by the impact and a subsequent fire. All 47 occupants on board were killed.

Investigation

The official investigation determined that the crew continued the approach despite low visibility and failed to execute a go-around even though they had not established visual contact with the runway. Additionally, the aircraft was not properly aligned on the approach path.

Probable Cause

The probable cause was identified as the crew's decision to continue the approach in low visibility and their failure to initiate a go-around when no visual contact with the runway was established, combined with the aircraft not being correctly aligned on the approach path.