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Aircraft Strikes Ground During Final Approach in Snow (RA-26541)

Chokurdakh, RussiaLanding (descent or approach)

On January 25, 1997, an Antonov AN-26 (registration RA-26541) operated by KolymaAvia was involved in an aviation accident near Chokurdakh, Russia during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The crew initiated the final approach prematurely after passing over the outer marker. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-11Data APIEditorial standards

On final approach during snowfall, the pilot maintained visual contact with approach lights but descended below the minimum descent altitude. The aircraft struck the ground 178 meters short and 77 meters right of the runway threshold. The nose gear collapsed, and the aircraft was damaged beyond repair. All 17 occupants evacuated uninjured.

Incident Details

The aircraft was on final approach under conditions of limited visibility due to snowfall. The pilot-in-command was able to maintain visual contact with the approach light system. Despite this, he failed to realize that the aircraft had descended below the minimum descent altitude (MDA). The aircraft struck the ground 178 meters short of the runway threshold and 77 meters to the right of the extended centerline. The impact caused the nose gear to collapse, and the aircraft came to rest against meteorological installations.

Aftermath

All 17 occupants evacuated the aircraft uninjured. However, the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Investigation Findings

According to the official probable cause, the crew initiated the final approach prematurely after passing over the outer marker. The operator also identified serious flight safety deficiencies during the course of the investigation.

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Same operator

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