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Aircraft nose-first landing at Stepanavan Airport (YL-LCH)

Stepanavan, ArmeniaLanding (descent or approach)

On April 6, 1993, an Antonov AN-24 (registration YL-LCH) operated by Latavio Latvian Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Stepanavan, Armenia during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft struck the runway in a nose-first orientation, leading to a gear collapse and a long-distance slide. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-11Data APIEditorial standards
Aircraft registered YL-LCH
Aircraft registered YL-LCH. Photo: Mark Harkin / CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

An aircraft sustained significant damage after a nose-first landing at Stepanavan Airport, though all occupants escaped without injury.

What happened

During an arrival at Stepanavan Airport, an aircraft experienced a landing incident characterized by a nose-first impact. Following the initial contact with the runway, the nose landing gear failed, causing the airframe to slide approximately 600 metres along the ground before the movement ceased.

Despite the severity of the impact and the subsequent slide, all 32 occupants were able to evacuate the aircraft without sustaining any injuries. The aircraft, which was damaged beyond repair due to the structural failure and impact force, was rendered non-operational following the event.

Findings

  • The primary factor in the ground excursion was the nose-first impact upon touchdown.
  • The collapse of the nose gear was a direct consequence of the landing orientation.
  • No fatalities or injuries were reported among the passengers or crew.

Probable cause

The aircraft struck the runway in a nose-first orientation, leading to a gear collapse and a long-distance slide.

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