5 fatalities

1978-12-19: Antonov AN-24 (CCCP-46299) — Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines — Samarkand, Uzbekistan

Samarkand, UzbekistanTakeoff (climb)

On December 19, 1978, an Antonov AN-24 (registration CCCP-46299) operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Samarkand, Uzbekistan during takeoff. 5 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Loss of control was the consequence of several errors by the crew who failed to take appropriate actions to ensure sufficient speed for a go-around. The crew took about 10 seconds to retract flaps and landing gear, preventing adequate speed. 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 1781225786Data APIEditorial standards

A training flight crashed after a go-around during an engine-out approach, killing all five crew members. The loss of control was attributed to crew errors in speed management and delayed flap/gear retraction.

Incident Overview

On a local training flight from Samarkand Airport (SKD), a crew conducted a series of eight circuits as part of a training program. During the ninth approach, the instructor shut down the right engine and feathered its propeller. The flaps were set to 38°, and the aircraft passed over the runway at approximately 10 meters altitude.

Go-Around and Loss of Control

As the aircraft neared the runway end at a speed of 190 km/h, the crew decided to execute a go-around. Upon adding power, the aircraft assumed a nose-up attitude, reaching a supercritical angle of attack. It turned slightly to the right, descended, and crashed in flames 1,120 meters beyond the runway end. The wreckage came to rest 690 meters to the right of the extended centerline.

Aircraft Damage and Fatalities

The aircraft was partially destroyed by fire. All five crew members on board were killed.

Probable Cause

Investigators determined that the loss of control resulted from multiple crew errors. The crew failed to ensure sufficient speed for the go-around procedure and delayed retracting the flaps and landing gear by approximately 10 seconds, preventing the aircraft from accelerating adequately. Additionally, the training program did not include an engine shutdown on approach, and the instructor performed the procedure for the first time, which was considered a contributing factor.