Aircraft abandonment and subsequent loss at Barneo Ice Station

No fatalities • Barneo Ice Camp, Russia • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft sustained landing damage during a low-visibility approach to Barneo Ice Station, leading to its abandonment and eventual sinking in the Arctic Ocean.

What happened

During an approach to the Barneo Ice Station, an aircraft encountered challenging weather conditions characterized by low visibility. Upon landing on the icy runway, the aircraft experienced a heavy impact involving an acceleration of 2.4 g. This force resulted in the partial collapse of the right main landing gear, leaving the aircraft in a nose-up position.

Following the incident, all 17 occupants successfully evacuated the aircraft without injury. While the airframe sustained only minor damage, the decision was made to abandon the aircraft as repairs were deemed unfeasible. Following the abandonment, the engines were salvaged and removed from the airframe. An insurance claim regarding the incident was filed on April 24, 2015.

After being left on the ice, the aircraft moved westward along with the drifting ice floe. Between July 26 and July 27, 2015, the ice floe fractured, causing the abandoned aircraft to sink into the Arctic Ocean.

Probable cause

A hard landing during low-visibility conditions caused structural damage that led to the aircraft being abandoned on an ice floe.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2015-04-03 Antonov AN-74 accident near Barneo Ice Camp, Russia?

An aircraft sustained landing damage during a low-visibility approach to Barneo Ice Station, leading to its abandonment and eventual sinking in the Arctic Ocean.

Were there any fatalities in the 2015-04-03 Antonov AN-74 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2015-04-03 involved a Antonov AN-74, registration RA-74056, operated by FMBZ A. I. Burnazyan (Federal Medical Biophysical Center), at Barneo Ice Camp, Russia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

A hard landing during low-visibility conditions caused structural damage that led to the aircraft being abandoned on an ice floe.

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