No fatalities

Undercarriage error leads to runway excursion at Yerevan-Erebuni Airport (CCCP-26183)

Yerevan-Erebuni, ArmeniaLanding (descent or approach)

On November 20, 1988, an Antonov AN-8 (registration CCCP-26183) operated by MOM - Ministerstvo Obshego Mashinostroenia was involved in an aviation accident near Yerevan-Erebuni, Armenia during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The crew mistakenly retracted the landing gear after the aircraft had landed on the runway. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-06-13Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft sustained heavy damage after the crew accidentally retracted the landing gear following its arrival at Yerevan-Erebuni Airport.

What happened

Following the successful touchdown at Yerevan-Erebuni Airport, an operational error occurred during the post-landing phase. The flight crew inadvertently activated the retraction mechanism for the undercarriage while the aircraft was still on the ground.

As a result of the gear being raised, the aircraft type made contact with the runway surface on its belly. This caused the plane to slide along the pavement for several dozen meters before the motion ceased.

Outcomes

  • There were zero fatalities and zero injuries reported among the occupants.
  • All individuals on board managed to evacuate the aircraft safely.
  • The aircraft sustained structural damage that rendered it a total loss, being classified as damaged beyond repair.

Probable cause

The crew mistakenly retracted the landing gear after the aircraft had landed on the runway.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 20 Nov 1988 Antonov AN-8 accident near Yerevan-Erebuni, Armenia?

An aircraft sustained heavy damage after the crew accidentally retracted the landing gear following its arrival at Yerevan-Erebuni Airport.

Were there any fatalities in the 20 Nov 1988 Antonov AN-8 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 20 Nov 1988 involved an Antonov AN-8, registration CCCP-26183, operated by MOM - Ministerstvo Obshego Mashinostroenia, at Yerevan-Erebuni, Armenia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The crew mistakenly retracted the landing gear after the aircraft had landed on the runway.