Aircraft belly landing at Usinsk Airport following runway excursion

No fatalities • Usinsk, Russia • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft arriving from Moscow-Vnukovo Airport sustained heavy damage after striking a snow bank during its final approach to Usinsk Airport.

What happened

During a flight originating from Moscow-Vnukova Airport, the flight crew began their descent toward the runway 13 threshold at Usinsk Airport. As the aircraft was on short final approach, it struck a snow bank measuring approximately 1.1 meters in height. This obstacle was situated 32 meters before the start of the runway, though the impact occurred while the plane was still positioned over the concrete zone.

The force of the collision caused the separation of both main landing gears from the airframe. Following the loss of the gear, the aircraft type performed a belly landing, sliding across the surface for several hundred meters before coming to a complete stop.

Despite the significant impact, all 100 occupants were able to evacuate the plane without injury. The incident resulted in the aircraft being written off due to damage sustained during the excursion.

Findings

  • The aircraft struck a snow bank located just short of the runway threshold.
  • The impact led to the structural failure and loss of the main landing gear.

Probable cause

The aircraft struck a snow bank located 32 meters before the runway threshold during the final approach phase.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2020-02-09 Boeing 737-500 accident near Usinsk, Russia?

An aircraft arriving from Moscow-Vnukovo Airport sustained heavy damage after striking a snow bank during its final approach to Usinsk Airport.

Were there any fatalities in the 2020-02-09 Boeing 737-500 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2020-02-09 involved a Boeing 737-500, registration VQ-BPS, operated by UTAir, at Usinsk, Russia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft struck a snow bank located 32 meters before the runway threshold during the final approach phase.

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