What happened
During a nighttime cargo operation destined for Yerevan, an aircraft experienced a critical loss of stability while performing its final approach to Zvartnots Airport. While maintaining a speed between 180 and 190 km/h, the aircraft's flight path became unstable, leading to a sudden loss of altitude. The aircraft impacted the terrain approximately 150 metres before reaching the runway threshold. The impact was characterized by a positive acceleration of 4 g, which caused the aircraft to crash.
Despite the severity of the impact, all eight occupants of the aircraft managed to exit the wreckage. There were no fatalities reported, though the crew and others on board sustained minor injuries. The aircraft itself was destroyed in the accident and was determined to be a total loss.
Findings
- The aircraft experienced a significant loss of altitude during the final approach phase.
- The impact occurred roughly 150 metres short of the runway threshold.
- Instability during the final approach was the primary factor leading to the ground strike.