Night Cargo Flight Strikes Ground Short of Runway at Zvartnots Airport (RA-13323)

Incident Description

The crew of a night cargo flight was completing an approach to Zvartnots Airport in Yerevan. On final approach at a speed of 180-190 km/h, the aircraft became unstable, lost height, and struck the ground approximately 150 meters short of the runway threshold, experiencing a positive acceleration of 4 g at impact. The aircraft crashed and was damaged beyond repair. All eight occupants escaped with minor injuries.

Investigation and Probable Cause

Official investigation findings determined that the accident resulted from a combination of the following factors: poor approach planning; the crew failed to follow the approach pattern; lack of captain's experience; the aircraft was unstable on approach; no corrective action on part of the crew; the crew positioned the throttle below flight idle, causing negative thrust and a loss of ground speed and altitude; shortcomings in crew interactions expressed in the absence of control by the copilot about the throttle position during the late stage of flight; failure of the crew to initiate a go-around procedure.

These factors collectively led to the aircraft's descent below the intended flight path and the subsequent impact short of the runway.