Runway excursion and fire during night approach at Saratov-Tsentralny Airport

No fatalities • Saratov-Tsentralny, Russia • Landing (descent or approach)

A twin-engine aircraft experienced a heavy landing and subsequent runway excursion during a nighttime arrival, resulting in an aircraft fire but no fatalities.

What happened

During a night arrival at Saratov-Tsentralny Airport, a twin engine aircraft descended below the established glide path. The initial contact with the runway surface involved a significant impact of 2.35 g. Following this first touchdown, the aircraft bounced and the nose pitched downward, leading to a second impact with a force of 3 g.

Upon the second impact, the aircraft lost directional control and veered toward the left side of the runway. The plane eventually exited the paved surface and came to a stop in a nearby grassy area where it caught fire. Despite the destruction of the airframe, all 57 occupants were successfully evacuated from the wreckage without loss of life.

Findings

Investigations into the accident determined that the crew failed to adhere to established flight protocols. The primary factor was an incorrect approach configuration resulting from a failure to follow approved and published procedures during the descent.

Probable cause

The crew's failure to follow standard operating procedures led to an improper approach configuration.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1976-03-10 Antonov AN-24 accident near Saratov-Tsentralny, Russia?

A twin-engine aircraft experienced a heavy landing and subsequent runway excursion during a nighttime arrival, resulting in an aircraft fire but no fatalities.

Were there any fatalities in the 1976-03-10 Antonov AN-24 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1976-03-10 involved a Antonov AN-24, registration CCCP-46613, operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines, at Saratov-Tsentralny, Russia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The crew's failure to follow standard operating procedures led to an improper approach configuration.

Loading the flight search…