Aircraft collision with mountain near Norilsk-Nezhdanny Airport

7 fatalities • Norilsk-Alykel, Russia • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft crashed into a mountain peak during its final approach to Norilsk-Nezhdanny Airport, resulting in seven fatalities and one survivor.

What happened

During a flight originating from Klin, an aircraft was performing its final approach toward Norilsk-Nezhdanny Airport when it struck a mountain summit. The impact occurred at an elevation of 633 meters near the Talnashki River, causing the plane to plummet into a nearby gorge. The accident resulted in seven fatalities among the crew members, while the single survivor, the tail gunner, sustained serious injuries. The aircraft was completely destroyed upon impact.

Findings

Investigations revealed that an inexperienced air traffic controller provided inaccurate guidance to the flight crew during the descent. This error allowed the aircraft to descend to an altitude of 700 meters, which was insufficient for clearing the Talnakhskiye gory mountain range, as certain peaks in the approach path reach heights of 740 meters. The inaccurate information provided by air traffic control regarding terrain clearance was a critical factor in the collision.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by incorrect altitude guidance provided to the crew by an inexperienced air traffic controller during the descent phase.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1962-12-23 Antonov AN-12 accident near Norilsk-Alykel, Russia?

An aircraft crashed into a mountain peak during its final approach to Norilsk-Nezhdanny Airport, resulting in seven fatalities and one survivor.

Were there any fatalities in the 1962-12-23 Antonov AN-12 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 7 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1962-12-23 involved a Antonov AN-12, operated by Soviet Air Force - Voyenno-vozdushnye sily CCCP, at Norilsk-Alykel, Russia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by incorrect altitude guidance provided to the crew by an inexperienced air traffic controller during the descent phase.

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