Aircraft ground impact during approach to Belaya Gora Airport

No fatalities • Belaya Gora, Russia • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft experienced a ground impact during its final approach to Belaya Gora Airport due to insufficient visibility and low altitude.

What happened

During the final approach phase at Belaya Gora Airport, the aircraft struck the ground while attempting to land. The impact resulted in the collapse of both the nose gear and the right main landing gear. Following the collision, the aircraft slid across the terrain, eventually coming to a stop in a field covered in snow. The final position of the aircraft was approximately 400 meters before the runway threshold and 300 meters to the left of the established approach path.

Significant damage occurred during the sequence, including the loss of the right engine propeller and structural deformation of the fuselage. Despite the impact, all 33 occupants were successfully evacuated from the aircraft without injury.

Findings

Investigation into the event indicates that the aircraft was flying at an altitude that was too low during its approach. Environmental factors played a critical role, as weather conditions were marginal at the time of the accident. Specifically, falling snow had reduced visibility to approximately 2.5 km. This level of visibility was insufficient for the requirements of the NDB approach, which necessitates a minimum visibility of 4 km.

Probable cause

The aircraft struck the ground during approach because visibility was below the required minimums for the NDB procedure.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2016-10-11 Antonov AN-26 accident near Belaya Gora, Russia?

An aircraft experienced a ground impact during its final approach to Belaya Gora Airport due to insufficient visibility and low altitude.

Were there any fatalities in the 2016-10-11 Antonov AN-26 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2016-10-11 involved a Antonov AN-26, registration RA-26660, operated by Polyarnye Avialinii (Polar Airlines), at Belaya Gora, Russia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft struck the ground during approach because visibility was below the required minimums for the NDB procedure.

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