What happened
On August 31, 2018, a Boeing 737-800, registration VQ-BJI, was operating flight UT 579 from Moscow Vnukovo to Sochi Adler. Following a standard preflight briefing and medical clearance for the crew at Vnukovo, the aircraft departed at 21:33. The flight proceeded normally at a flight level of 35,000 feet under autopilot control.
As the aircraft approached the Sochi terminal area, the crew received updated weather and approach instructions from air traffic control. During the initial approach attempt, the pilot in command took manual control and initiated a go-around when visibility decreased due to intense rainfall. During a subsequent second approach, the aircraft landed approximately 1,285 meters from the runway threshold. The aircraft failed to remain on the runway surface, overrunning the pavement and breaching the airport perimeter fencing. The aircraft eventually came to a stop in the Mzymta river bed. The impact caused a leak in the left-hand wing fuel tank, which subsequently ignited. The crew successfully executed an emergency evacuation of the passengers. While no fatalities occurred, eighteen individuals sustained injuries.
Findings
- The aircraft sustained hull loss due to structural damage and fire.
- Heavy showers and reduced visibility (RVR) were present during the approach phase.
- The primary factor in the excursion was the failure to maintain the aircraft within the runway boundaries during the second landing attempt.