History of Flight
On 31 August 2018, a Boeing 737-800, registration VQ-BJI, operated by UTair (PJSC Air Company UTair), was operating scheduled flight UT579 from Moscow (Vnukovo) to Sochi (Adler). During pre-flight preparation, the crew received a meteorological information sheet at 19:50. At 20:15, they underwent a medical examination at the Vnukovo airport medical station. The aircraft's daily check (DY) operational maintenance was performed on 30 August 2018 at Vnukovo airport by ZAO U-Ti-Dzhi, work order No. 11465742. The takeoff weight and center of gravity were 68,680 kg and 26.46% MAC, respectively, within the aircraft flight manual limits for the existing conditions.
Takeoff from Vnukovo occurred at 21:33. The flight proceeded in automatic mode at cruise altitude FL 350 without deviations. The pilot flying was the first officer.
Approach and Landing
Upon entering the Sochi aerodrome area, the crew received approach and descent instructions from the Sochi approach controller, as well as meteorological conditions in the aerodrome area. After descending to the altitude specified by the approach controller, the crew established contact with the final approach controller and, after confirming that weather conditions met the crew's minimums, received landing clearance.
During the first approach, at about 30 meters height, the captain took control due to deteriorating runway visibility caused by heavy rain and executed a go-around. On the second approach, the crew landed approximately 1285 meters from the runway threshold. Despite braking action, the aircraft could not be stopped on the runway. It overran the runway, broke through the airport fence, and came to rest in the Mzymta river bed.