No fatalities

1972-02-22: Antonov AN-24 (CCCP-46732) — Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines — Lipetsk, Russia

Lipetsk, RussiaLanding (descent or approach)

On February 22, 1972, an Antonov AN-24 (registration CCCP-46732) operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Lipetsk, Russia during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Unintentional application of thrust reverser on final approach on part of a crew member. 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 1781234355Data APIEditorial standards

During final approach to Lipetsk Airport, a crew member unintentionally activated reverse thrust on both engines. The aircraft crash landed short of the runway; all 13 occupants were uninjured, but the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Incident Overview

An aircraft on final approach to Lipetsk Airport experienced an abnormal event when a crew member unintentionally applied reverse thrust on both engines at an altitude of approximately 1,500 meters. This action forced the captain to perform an emergency landing. The aircraft ultimately crash landed short of the runway threshold.

Sequence of Events

The incident occurred during the final approach phase. At a height of about 1,500 meters, one of the crew members inadvertently engaged the reverse thrust mechanism on both engines. The captain, faced with the unexpected thrust reversal, was compelled to attempt an emergency landing. Despite these efforts, the aircraft was unable to reach the runway and instead crashed onto the ground before the threshold.

Occupant Safety and Aircraft Damage

All 13 individuals aboard the aircraft, including crew and passengers, emerged from the incident without injury. However, the aircraft itself sustained extensive damage and was deemed beyond economical repair.

Probable Cause

According to official findings, the probable cause of the accident was the unintentional application of the thrust reverser on final approach by a crew member.