No fatalities

2008-09-18: Antonov AN-24 (4L-MJX) — EuroLine — Tbilisi, Georgia

Tbilisi, GeorgiaLanding (descent or approach)

On September 18, 2008, an Antonov AN-24 (registration 4L-MJX) operated by EuroLine was involved in an aviation accident near Tbilisi, Georgia during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The accident was caused by an improper approach configuration and excessive airspeed during the final stages of flight. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781197179Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft sustained heavy damage after performing a high-speed approach and landing at Tbilisi Airport, resulting in nose gear collapse.

What happened

During a nighttime approach to Tbilisi Airport, the aircraft was traveling at an excessive velocity as it passed over the inner marker at an altitude of approximately 204 feet. The impact with the runway involved an initial aerodynamic force measured between 1.81 and 1.97 G. Following this initial contact, the aircraft experienced several bounces, culminating in a much harder impact with a positive aerodynamic force of 4.82 G.

This secondary impact caused the nose landing gear to collapse, which subsequently punctured the floor of the cockpit. The aircraft continued to slide for several dozen meters before finally coming to a stop. While there were no injuries reported among those on board, the aircraft was determined to be a total loss due to damage sustained during the event.

Findings

Investigation into the incident revealed that the approach configuration was incorrect and the speed was significantly higher than prescribed by standard operating procedures. Specifically, the aircraft's speed over the inner marker was recorded at 224 km/h, which far exceeded the required range of 170-180 km/h. Additionally, the incorrect aircraft attitude during the landing phase contributed to the severity of the impact.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by an improper approach configuration and excessive airspeed during the final stages of flight.