On November 2, 2005, an Antonov AN-24 (registration RA-46618) operated by SAT Airlines - Sakhalinskie Aviatrassy was involved in an aviation accident near Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, Russia during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The nose landing gear failed upon touchdown, leading to a fuselage puncture and significant structural damage. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
An aircraft experienced a nose gear failure upon touchdown at Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk Airport, resulting in structural damage to the fuselage but no injuries.
What happened
During the landing phase at Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk Airport, the aircraft's nose landing gear failed. This structural failure caused the gear to collapse, which subsequently punctured the lower fuselage area situated immediately behind the cockpit. Following the impact with the ground, the aircraft continued along the main runway for several dozen meters before coming to a complete stop.
There were no injuries reported among the occupants of the aircraft. However, the impact and the subsequent breach of the fuselage caused significant damage to the airframe. The aircraft was subsequently declared a total loss, as the damage was determined to be beyond repair.
Findings
The primary factor in the incident was the collapse of the nose landing gear during the landing roll.
Probable cause
The nose landing gear failed upon touchdown, leading to a fuselage puncture and significant structural damage.