38 fatalities

1985-01-18: Antonov AN-24 (B-434) — CAAC - Civil Aviation Administration of China — Jinan, China

Jinan, ChinaLanding (descent or approach)

On January 18, 1985, an Antonov AN-24 (registration B-434) operated by CAAC - Civil Aviation Administration of China was involved in an aviation accident near Jinan, China during landing or approach. 38 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Wrong approach configuration on part of the flying crew who continued the approach and landed the aircraft too far down the runway, reducing the landing distance available. 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 1781218796Data APIEditorial standards

During a landing in freezing fog, an aircraft touched down too far down the runway at Jinan Airport, overran, and came to rest in a ravine where it caught fire. Three passengers were seriously injured and 38 occupants killed.

Approach and Landing

The aircraft was on final approach to Jinan Airport in conditions of limited visibility caused by freezing fog. The crew did not maintain the correct glidepath, resulting in the aircraft being too high during the final segment. The approach was continued, and the aircraft touched down well beyond the intended touchdown point.

Runway Overrun

After landing, the remaining runway length was inadequate to bring the aircraft to a stop. The aircraft overran the runway end, proceeded into a ravine, and came to a halt. Subsequently, the aircraft caught fire.

Casualties

The accident resulted in three passengers being seriously injured. Additionally, 38 other occupants were killed.

Probable Cause

The official probable cause was determined as: wrong approach configuration on the part of the flying crew, who continued the approach and landed the aircraft too far down the runway, reducing the landing distance available. Contributing factors were the crew's failure to initiate a go-around and poor visibility due to freezing fog.