Aircraft damage from ground fire leads to runway excursion at Kandahar Airport

No fatalities • Kandahar, Afghanistan • Landing (descent or approach)

A four-engine aircraft sustained damage from ground fire during its descent into Kandahar, resulting in a hard landing and the destruction of the airframe.

What happened

During the final approach phase toward Kandahar Airport, a four-engine aircraft was struck by projectiles from ground fire. Despite the impact, the crew proceeded with the landing sequence. The arrival was characterized by a heavy touchdown on the runway.

Following this hard landing, the structural integrity of the aircraft was compromised as the tail section became detached. The loss of control caused the aircraft to veer away from the active runway, eventually coming to a stop off the paved surface. The incident resulted in six injuries among the crew members, and the aircraft was subsequently destroyed.

Findings

  • The aircraft sustained damage from ground-based fire while descending.
  • The primary factor leading to the accident was a mislanding following the impact of ground fire during the approach.

Probable cause

The aircraft experienced a hard landing and subsequent loss of control after being struck by ground fire during its final approach.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1989-01-23 Antonov AN-12 accident near Kandahar, Afghanistan?

A four-engine aircraft sustained damage from ground fire during its descent into Kandahar, resulting in a hard landing and the destruction of the airframe.

Were there any fatalities in the 1989-01-23 Antonov AN-12 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1989-01-23 involved a Antonov AN-12, registration CCCP-11987, operated by Soviet Air Force - Voyenno-vozdushnye sily CCCP, at Kandahar, Afghanistan.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft experienced a hard landing and subsequent loss of control after being struck by ground fire during its final approach.

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