Aircraft Crash at Belaya Gora Airport During NDB Approach (RA-26660)

Accident Overview and Impact Details During a final approach to Belaya Gora Airport, the aircraft descended too low and impacted the ground. The collision caused the right main landing gear and the nose gear to collapse. The aircraft slid for several yards before coming to rest in a snow-covered field. The final resting position was approximately 400 meters short of the runway threshold and 300 meters to the left of the approach path. The right engine's propeller was torn off, and the fuselage sustained bending damage. All 33 occupants on board were evacuated safely. ## Weather and Operational Conditions At the time of the accident, weather conditions were marginal, with limited visibility due to snowfall. The reported visibility was approximately 2.5 kilometers, whereas the crew required a minimum of 4 kilometers to conduct the NDB approach. The crew had previously operated into the aerodrome only during the summer season, making this their first winter flight to Belaya Gora. ## Official Probable Cause Findings The official investigation attributed the accident to a combination of several factors. These included the absence of standard operating procedures from the operator for conducting NDB approaches. Additionally, the tower violated procedures by only transmitting information about snowfall and recommending a low pass over the runway, without communicating that the actual visibility was 1,900 meters below the required minimum. The last transmission indicated that minimum visibility was present, leaving the crew without information that visibility was below the required minimum. Environmental factors also contributed, including numerous landmarks such as abandoned ships, ship cranes, and a fuel transshipment complex covered in snow within 700 to 1,000 meters of the unpaved runway, which could be mistaken for runway markers. The presence of bald spots due to the transitional season made it difficult to visualize and recognize the snow-covered unpaved runway. The crew also made insufficient use of available navigation aids on final approach, leading to a lack of proper control of the aircraft's position relative to the glide path. Finally, the tower lacked the ability to observe the aircraft performing the NDB approach from its workplace.