FlightFinder
Check my flight
No fatalities

Aircraft Overrun and Collision at Stepnogorsk Airfield (CCCP-46525)

Stepnogorsk, KazakhstanLanding (descent or approach)

On October 4, 1989, an Antonov AN-24 (registration CCCP-46525) operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Stepnogorsk, Kazakhstan during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Wrong approach configuration on part of the crew who continued the final approach too high and at an excessive speed, causing the aircraft to land too far down a short runway. 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 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft overran a 1,305-meter grassy runway at Stepnogorsk Airfield after a high and fast approach, striking a concrete pillar. All 52 occupants evacuated safely, but the aircraft was written off.

Approach and Landing Incident Details An aircraft arrived at Stepnogorsk Airfield from Tselinograd for a landing on a 1,305-meter grassy runway. During the final approach, the crew adopted an incorrect configuration, resulting in the aircraft being too high over the runway threshold. The approach speed was also excessive, recorded at 240 km/h compared to the requested 210-220 km/h. These factors caused the aircraft to land approximately 893 meters past the runway threshold, significantly down the runway. The crew initiated braking about 300 meters before the end of the runway, but the aircraft was unable to stop within the remaining distance. It overran the runway at a speed of 88 km/h and struck a 1.2-meter-high concrete pillar that was part of the perimeter fence before coming to rest. Despite the severe damage to the aircraft, the captain decided to attempt to roll the aircraft to the main apron. The captain added engine power while the aircraft was hitting obstacles, ditches, and holes in the ground, which caused the propellers to break away. The captain eventually stopped the aircraft. All 52 occupants evacuated safely, but the aircraft was written off due to the extent of the damage.

Probable cause

Wrong approach configuration on part of the crew who continued the final approach too high and at an excessive speed, causing the aircraft to land too far down a short runway. The crew failed to initiate a go-around procedure, which was considered as a contributory factor.
Runway excursion

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 4 Oct 1989 Antonov AN-24 accident near Stepnogorsk, Kazakhstan?

An aircraft overran a 1,305-meter grassy runway at Stepnogorsk Airfield after a high and fast approach, striking a concrete pillar. All 52 occupants evacuated safely, but the aircraft was written off.

Were there any fatalities in the 4 Oct 1989 Antonov AN-24 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 4 Oct 1989 involved an Antonov AN-24, registration CCCP-46525, operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines, at Stepnogorsk, Kazakhstan.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Wrong approach configuration on part of the crew who continued the final approach too high and at an excessive speed, causing the aircraft to land too far down a short runway. The crew failed to initiate a go-around procedure, which was considered as a contributory factor.

More accident analyses