Accident Details
On approach to runway 10 at Deputatsky Airport, the crew of an An-26B aircraft began a descent following an uneventful flight from Yakutsk-Magan Airport. The runway surface was covered with snow at the time of landing.
Sequence of Events
The aircraft touched down slightly to the left of the runway centerline. After traveling approximately 350 meters, the left main landing gear struck a snow berm measuring 20 to 50 cm in height. The impact caused the aircraft to veer further left, departing the runway surface. The aircraft came to rest in a snow-covered field, having sustained severe damage to the right main gear and right wing structure. The aircraft was subsequently determined to be damaged beyond repair. All 29 occupants evacuated the aircraft safely.
Probable Cause
The official investigation stated that the non-fatal accident resulted from a runway overrun that caused structural damage to the aircraft. The accident was attributed to a combination of factors: pilot error during the approach procedure, which led to an offset landing considerably left of the unpaved runway axis; non-compliance of the unpaved runway condition at Deputatsky Airport with Civil Aerodrome Operation Manual requirements regarding the interface between cleaned and uncleaned surfaces; and a nose-left moment caused by both left main landing gear wheels dipping into recent snow up to 30-50 cm deep while moving along the interface.