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40 fatalities

Night Approach Crash at Amderma Airport Kills 40, Injures 3 (CCCP-46269)

Amderma, RussiaLanding (descent or approach)

On September 3, 1979, an Antonov AN-24 (registration CCCP-46269) operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Amderma, Russia during landing or approach. 40 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The accident was the consequence of a series of violations on part of the flying crew who failed to follow the published procedures regarding the approach completed by night, which resulted in a premature descent, causing the aircraft to continue the approach… This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 7 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During a night approach to Amderma Airport, an airplane descended below the glide path and struck the ground 1,850 meters short of the runway, killing 40 occupants and seriously injuring three others.

Accident

On a night approach to Amderma Airport, the airplane descended below the glide path. At a speed of 206 km/h, it struck the ground 1,850 meters short of the runway threshold and crashed in flames on a small hill located 140 meters to the left of the extended centerline. Two passengers and a crew member were seriously injured; all 40 other occupants were killed.

Probable Cause

According to the official investigation, the accident resulted from a series of violations by the flying crew, who failed to follow published procedures for the night approach. This led to a premature descent, causing the aircraft to continue below the glide until impact. Contributing factors included:

  • The real altitude of the aircraft was less than reported by the navigator.
  • The pilot-in-command decided to continue the approach after passing below the glide.
  • The pilot-in-command failed to initiate a go-around.
  • Poor crew coordination.
  • The navigator responsible for the approach was under training and his instructor did not assist during the maneuver.
  • The aircraft's total weight was 816 kg above the maximum takeoff weight at departure from Arkhangelsk.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 3 Sept 1979 Antonov AN-24 accident near Amderma, Russia?

During a night approach to Amderma Airport, an airplane descended below the glide path and struck the ground 1,850 meters short of the runway, killing 40 occupants and seriously injuring three others.

Were there any fatalities in the 3 Sept 1979 Antonov AN-24 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 40 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 3 Sept 1979 involved an Antonov AN-24, registration CCCP-46269, operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines, at Amderma, Russia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was the consequence of a series of violations on part of the flying crew who failed to follow the published procedures regarding the approach completed by night, which resulted in a premature descent, causing the aircraft to continue the approach below the glide until impact with the ground. Contributing…

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