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Night Approach Hard Landing and Runway Excursion at Saratov-Tsentralny (CCCP-46613)

Saratov-Tsentralny, RussiaLanding (descent or approach)

On March 10, 1976, an Antonov AN-24 (registration CCCP-46613) operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Saratov-Tsentralny, Russia during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Wrong approach configuration on part the of the crew who failed to follow the approved and published procedures. 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)Source recordUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During a night approach, the pilot allowed the aircraft to descend below the glide path. The twin-engine aircraft struck the runway with 2.35 g, bounced, then hit again at 3 g, veered off, and was destroyed in flames. All 57 occupants evacuated safely.

Incident Description

During a night approach to Saratov-Tsentralny Airport, the pilot permitted the aircraft to descend below the prescribed glide path. The twin-engine aircraft subsequently contacted the runway surface with a positive acceleration of 2.35 g. Upon impact, the aircraft bounced and nosed downward before striking the runway a second time with a positive acceleration of 3 g. Following the second impact, the aircraft became uncontrollable, veered off the runway to the left, and came to rest in flames in a grassy area.

Outcome

The aircraft was destroyed as a result of the impact and subsequent fire. All 57 occupants on board were evacuated safely without injury.

Probable Cause

According to official findings, the probable cause of the accident was a wrong approach configuration on the part of the crew, who failed to follow the approved and published procedures.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 10 Mar 1976 Antonov AN-24 accident near Saratov-Tsentralny, Russia?

During a night approach, the pilot allowed the aircraft to descend below the glide path. The twin-engine aircraft struck the runway with 2.35 g, bounced, then hit again at 3 g, veered off, and was destroyed in flames. All 57 occupants evacuated safely.

Were there any fatalities in the 10 Mar 1976 Antonov AN-24 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 10 Mar 1976 involved an Antonov AN-24, registration CCCP-46613, operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines, at Saratov-Tsentralny, Russia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Wrong approach configuration on part the of the crew who failed to follow the approved and published procedures.

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