Aircraft undershoot during approach due to visibility and altitude error

No fatalities • Chokurdakh, Russia • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft struck the ground short of the runway threshold during a snowstorm, resulting in no injuries but significant damage to the airframe.

What happened

During the final approach phase, the flight crew encountered reduced visibility caused by falling snow. Although the pilot-in-command maintained visual contact with the approach light system, the aircraft descended below the minimum descent altitude (MDA). As a result, the aircraft type struck the ground approximately 178 metres before reaching the runway threshold, positioned 77 metres to the right of the extended centerline.

Upon impact, the nose landing gear collapsed, causing the aircraft to come to rest against meteorological installations. Despite the impact, all 17 occupants managed to evacuate the aircraft without any injuries. The aircraft sustained damage that was determined to be beyond repair.

Findings

  • The primary factor in the accident was the failure to maintain the minimum descent altitude during the approach.
  • Environmental conditions, specifically limited visibility from snowfall, contributed to the difficulty of the approach.

Probable cause

The pilot descended below the minimum descent altitude during a low-visibility approach.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1997-01-25 Antonov AN-26 accident near Chokurdakh, Russia?

An aircraft struck the ground short of the runway threshold during a snowstorm, resulting in no injuries but significant damage to the airframe.

Were there any fatalities in the 1997-01-25 Antonov AN-26 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1997-01-25 involved a Antonov AN-26, registration RA-26541, operated by KolymaAvia, at Chokurdakh, Russia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot descended below the minimum descent altitude during a low-visibility approach.

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