Non-fatal aircraft crash during positioning flight near Kursk

No fatalities • Kursk, Russia • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft performing a repositioning flight from Kuybyshev to Moscow crashed in a wooded area during a night approach in heavy snow.

What happened

A positioning flight was underway from Kuybyshev toward Moscow, which included a scheduled stop in Kursk. During the final approach into the intermediate destination, the crew encountered nighttime conditions characterized by falling snow and limited visibility.

As the aircraft descended, it fell below the established glide path. The aircraft type struck treetops approximately 2,500 meters prior to reaching the inner marker. This impact led to an aerodynamic stall, causing the plane to crash into a forested region and catch fire. Although the impact resulted in the total destruction of the airframe, there were zero fatalities among the three crew members, all of whom escaped without injury.

Findings

The investigation determined that the primary factor in the accident was an incorrect approach configuration maintained by the flight crew during the descent.

Probable cause

The crew failed to maintain the correct aircraft configuration during the approach phase.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1972-11-04 Antonov AN-24 accident near Kursk, Russia?

An aircraft performing a repositioning flight from Kuybyshev to Moscow crashed in a wooded area during a night approach in heavy snow.

Were there any fatalities in the 1972-11-04 Antonov AN-24 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1972-11-04 involved a Antonov AN-24, registration CCCP-46202, operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines, at Kursk, Russia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The crew failed to maintain the correct aircraft configuration during the approach phase.

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