What happened
During a nighttime approach to Tbilisi Airport, the aircraft was traveling at an excessive speed as it passed the inner marker at an altitude of 204 feet. Upon touchdown, the aircraft experienced an initial impact with a positive aerodynamic force measured between 1.81 and 1.97 G.
Following the initial contact, the aircraft bounced multiple times across the runway. A subsequent impact with the ground generated a much higher positive aerodynamic force of 4.82 G. This intense force 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.
Findings
- The aircraft was operating at an excessive speed during the final approach phase.
- The landing involved multiple bounces and high G-force impacts.
- The structural failure of the nose gear led to significant damage to the cockpit area.
- There were no injuries reported following the incident, though the aircraft was determined to be a total loss.