On December 29, 1995, an Antonov AN-24 (registration RA-46401) operated by Saransk Flight Unit was involved in an aviation accident near Saransk-Intl, Russia during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft struck the ground during a turning maneuver while attempting to join the approach path. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
A cargo aircraft crashed during its final approach to Saransk while performing a maneuver to join the approach path, resulting in injuries to the crew.
What happened
During a night cargo operation traveling from Tolyatti to Saransk, an aircraft was performing its final approach to the destination. As the crew attempted to execute a final turn to align with the approach path, the tip of the left wing made contact with the ground. This impact caused the aircraft to become uncontrollable, leading to a crash located a few kilometers from the runway threshold.
All five crew members sustained injuries during the accident. The aircraft, a cargo transport, suffered damage that was determined to be beyond repair.
Findings
The accident occurred during the final approach phase of flight.
The sequence of events began when the left wing tip struck the ground during a course correction maneuver.
Probable cause
The aircraft struck the ground during a turning maneuver while attempting to join the approach path.