Approach accident involving aircraft near Blagoveshchensk

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

An aircraft crashed short of the runway at Blagoveshchensk during an approach in severe weather, resulting in nine injuries but no fatalities.

What happened

During an approach to Blagoveshchensk following a flight from Chita, the crew encountered challenging meteorological conditions, including heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and a cloud base of only 150 meters. While performing the final approach, the pilot continued the descent despite a lack of visual contact with the runway or its lighting systems. During this maneuver, the aircraft descended below the Minimum Descent Altitude (MDA).

Because the aircraft was not correctly aligned with the runway centerline, it struck trees located approximately 50 meters before the threshold of runway 36 and 210 meters to the right of the centerline. The impact caused the left wing to separate from the fuselage. The aircraft then slid through a wooded area for 450 meters before coming to a stop. No fire occurred during the accident.

All 41 occupants were successfully rescued from the wreckage. Among the passengers and crew, 9 individuals sustained injuries.

Findings

  • The crew proceeded with the approach without establishing visual references to the runway.
  • The aircraft descended below the prescribed MDA while misaligned with the runway centerline.

Probable cause

The pilot continued the approach below the minimum descent altitude without visual contact with the runway during poor weather conditions.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2011-08-08 Antonov AN-24 accident near Blagoveshchensk, Russia?

An aircraft crashed short of the runway at Blagoveshchensk during an approach in severe weather, resulting in nine injuries but no fatalities.

Were there any fatalities in the 2011-08-08 Antonov AN-24 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2011-08-08 involved a Antonov AN-24, registration RA-46561, operated by IrAero, at Blagoveshchensk, Russia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot continued the approach below the minimum descent altitude without visual contact with the runway during poor weather conditions.

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