Cargo aircraft crash at Irkutsk-2 Airport

9 fatalities • Irkutsk-2 (Northwest/Vostochny), Russia • Landing (descent or approach)

A four-engine cargo aircraft crashed during its final approach to Irkutsk-2 Airport, resulting in the deaths of all nine people on board.

What happened

A cargo flight operating from Novosibirsk-Yeltsovka Airport to Irkutsk ended in a fatal accident during the approach phase. The aircraft, a four-engine transport, was carrying a payload of 1.5 tons of spare parts intended for the Irkut Group, alongside a total of nine people, including six crew members and three mechanics.

As the aircraft approached Irkutsk-2 Airport at night, the crew faced challenging meteorological conditions characterized by mist and reduced visibility. During the short final stage of the flight, the aircraft drifted to the right of the approach path and lost necessary altitude. The plane struck military vehicles and crashed into several barracks belonging to the 109th Arsenal of the Russian Army. The wreckage was located approximately 770 meters before the threshold of runway 14, positioned about 90 meters to the right of the extended centerline. The impact resulted in the total destruction of the aircraft and nine fatalities among the occupants. No casualties were reported on the ground.

Findings

The accident occurred amidst marginal weather conditions involving low visibility and mist. The flight path deviated from the centerline during the final approach, leading to the low-altitude impact with ground structures and vehicles.

Probable cause

The aircraft deviated from its approach path and descended below the required altitude during night operations in poor visibility.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2013-12-26 Antonov AN-12 accident near Irkutsk-2 (Northwest/Vostochny), Russia?

A four-engine cargo aircraft crashed during its final approach to Irkutsk-2 Airport, resulting in the deaths of all nine people on board.

Were there any fatalities in the 2013-12-26 Antonov AN-12 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 9 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2013-12-26 involved a Antonov AN-12, registration 12162, operated by Irkut, at Irkutsk-2 (Northwest/Vostochny), Russia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft deviated from its approach path and descended below the required altitude during night operations in poor visibility.

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