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37 fatalities

Crew Error Leads to Controlled Flight Into Terrain During Approach to Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky-Khalaktyrka (09)

Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, RussiaLanding (descent or approach)

On October 26, 1989, an Antonov AN-26 (registration 09) operated by Soviet Air Force - Voyenno-vozdushnye sily CCCP was involved in an aviation accident near Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, Russia during landing or approach. 37 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The accident was the consequence of a controlled flight into terrain after the crew decided to complete the approach under VFR mode in IMC conditions. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft struck a snow-covered mountain during approach to Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky-Khalaktyrka Airport in poor weather, killing all 37 occupants. The crew continued under VFR in IMC conditions.

Accident Overview

On approach to Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky-Khalaktyrka Airport, the aircraft encountered poor weather conditions with rain and limited visibility. The crew failed to maintain adequate altitude, and at a height of 1,500 meters, the aircraft struck the slope of a snow-covered mountain. The mountain, located 35 kilometers from the airport, rises to an elevation of 2,310 meters. The impact destroyed the aircraft, and all 37 occupants on board were killed.

Investigation Findings

The official investigation determined that the accident was a controlled flight into terrain (CFIT). The probable cause was the crew's decision to complete the approach under visual flight rules (VFR) mode in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC).

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 26 Oct 1989 Antonov AN-26 accident near Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, Russia?

An aircraft struck a snow-covered mountain during approach to Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky-Khalaktyrka Airport in poor weather, killing all 37 occupants. The crew continued under VFR in IMC conditions.

Were there any fatalities in the 26 Oct 1989 Antonov AN-26 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 37 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 26 Oct 1989 involved an Antonov AN-26, registration 09, operated by Soviet Air Force - Voyenno-vozdushnye sily CCCP, at Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, Russia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was the consequence of a controlled flight into terrain after the crew decided to complete the approach under VFR mode in IMC conditions.

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