Emergency landing at Mineralnye Vody Airport following unintentional reverse thrust

No fatalities • Mineralnye Vody, Russia • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft experienced an unexpected loss of altitude during its final approach to Mineralnye Vody Airport after the crew accidentally engaged reverse thrust.

What happened

During the final approach phase toward the runway 12 threshold at Mineralnye Vody Airport, the aircraft experienced a sudden and unplanned reduction in altitude. While flying at an elevation of approximately 200 meters, the thrust reverser system was inadvertently activated. This action caused the plane to lose necessary lift and descend rapidly.

The aircraft subsequently struck the ground in a field located roughly 2 kilometers before reaching the runway threshold, near the Kangly suburb. Despite the impact, there were no fatalities or injuries reported among those on board. The flight involved 43 passengers and 4 crew members, all of whom successfully evacuated the wreckage without harm.

Findings

Official investigations concluded that the incident was the result of crew error involving the accidental deployment of the thrust reverser system while the aircraft was still in its approach phase.

Probable cause

The crew mistakenly activated the thrust reverser system during the final approach to the runway.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1972-02-27 Antonov AN-24 accident near Mineralnye Vody, Russia?

An aircraft experienced an unexpected loss of altitude during its final approach to Mineralnye Vody Airport after the crew accidentally engaged reverse thrust.

Were there any fatalities in the 1972-02-27 Antonov AN-24 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1972-02-27 involved a Antonov AN-24, registration CCCP-46418, operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines, at Mineralnye Vody, Russia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The crew mistakenly activated the thrust reverser system during the final approach to the runway.

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