Aircraft crash during approach to Donetsk-Sergei Prokofiev Airport

5 fatalities • Donetsk, Ukraine • Landing (descent or approach)

A charter flight carrying football supporters crashed during its final approach to Donetsk, resulting in five fatalities and several injuries.

What happened

During the final approach phase to runway 08 at Donetsk-Sergei Prokofiev Airport, the aircraft entered a steep right bank of 48 degrees. This maneuver caused the right wing to make contact with the ground. Following the impact, the aircraft overturned and came to a rest in an inverted position within a grassy area situated to the left of the runway. The aircraft was completely destroyed during the accident.

The flight was operating as a charter service from Odessa, transporting 44 football supporters traveling to attend a match between Shakhtar Donetsk and Borussia Dortmund. The incident resulted in five fatalities, while the remaining occupants sustained injuries.

Findings

At the time of the accident, environmental conditions were significantly degraded by night and fog. The reported horizontal visibility was only 250 metres, with a Runway Visual Range (RVR) of 750 metres for runway 08 and a vertical visibility of 200 feet. The excessive banking angle during the final segment of the approach led to the wing strike and subsequent crash.

Probable cause

The aircraft struck the ground after a steep right bank during the final approach under conditions of low visibility and fog.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2013-02-13 Antonov AN-24 accident near Donetsk, Ukraine?

A charter flight carrying football supporters crashed during its final approach to Donetsk, resulting in five fatalities and several injuries.

Were there any fatalities in the 2013-02-13 Antonov AN-24 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 5 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2013-02-13 involved a Antonov AN-24, registration UR-WRA, operated by South Airlines - Pivdenni Avialinii - Yuzhnye Avialinii, at Donetsk, Ukraine.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft struck the ground after a steep right bank during the final approach under conditions of low visibility and fog.

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