On July 21, 2010, an Antonov AN-12 (registration RA-11376) operated by Khabarovsk Airlines (KhabAvia) was involved in an aviation accident near Keperveyem, Russia during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Loss of control during takeoff following the failure of the nosewheel steering system due to the malfunction of the VG15-2S switch. The captain failed to check the nosewheel steering system prior to takeoff, which was considered as a contributing factor. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
A four-engine aircraft veered off runway 27 at Keperveyem Airport during takeoff, losing its undercarriage and coming to rest 120 meters left of the runway. All eight occupants escaped uninjured.
Accident Details
During the takeoff roll on runway 27 at Keperveyem Airport, a four-engine aircraft deviated to the left, went out of control, and veered off the runway. The aircraft lost its undercarriage and slid before coming to rest 120 meters to the left of the runway and after a total course of 880 meters. All eight occupants escaped uninjured, while the aircraft was damaged beyond economical repair.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined the probable cause to be a loss of control during takeoff following the failure of the nosewheel steering system due to the malfunction of the VG15-2S switch. The captain's failure to check the nosewheel steering system prior to takeoff was considered a contributing factor.