Incident Overview
On February 9, 2020, a Boeing 737-500 aircraft, registration VQ-BPS, operated by PJSC Utair Aviation Company, was performing scheduled flight UTA 595 from Moscow Vnukovo to Usinsk. The crew underwent a medical examination at the Vnukovo medical station at 05:45. During pre-flight preparation, the crew received a briefing and a weather information sheet. The forecast and actual weather along the route, at alternate aerodromes, and at the destination were suitable for the flight, leading the captain to make a justified decision to depart.
Pre-Flight and Flight Details
According to NOTAMs received by the crew, the glideslope of the instrument landing system on runway 13 at Usinsk was inoperative, and the approach lights were also not functioning. The most recent operational maintenance, a Daily Check, was performed on the same day at Ufa Airport. Before departure from Vnukovo, the flight crew conducted pre-flight preparations under the captain's supervision. The takeoff mass was 53,095 kg with a center of gravity at 26.56% MAC, both within the aircraft's operational limitations for the existing conditions. Takeoff from Vnukovo occurred at 06:59:16, with the captain serving as the pilot flying.
Approach and Landing
The flight proceeded normally at cruising level FL350 along the assigned route. Upon entering the Usinsk aerodrome zone, the crew received approach and descent conditions from the approach control, as well as weather information in the aerodrome area. After descending to the altitude assigned by Usinsk approach control, the crew contacted the tower controller and received landing clearance.
Collision with Snow Berm
During the landing, at a distance of 32 meters from the runway threshold, the aircraft's main landing gear collided with a snow berm measuring 1.1 meters in height. The berm had formed as a result of snow clearing operations on the runway. Following the collision, the aircraft touched down on the runway 30 meters from its threshold.