Emergency landing and aircraft breakup at Istanbul Atatürk Airport

No fatalities • Istanbul-Atatürk, Turkey • Landing (descent or approach)

A twin-engine aircraft returning to Istanbul for an emergency landing veered off the runway and broke in two during a post-crash fire.

What happened

On the night of the incident, a twin engine aircraft departed from Atatürk Airport in Istanbul, heading toward Ercan. The flight was carrying a total of four people, consisting of a crew of three and one passenger. Shortly after the departure, the flight crew encountered an unforeseen issue that necessitated an immediate return to the departure airport.

During the attempted emergency landing on runway 35L, the aircraft lost control upon making contact with the runway surface. The plane veered off the active runway and collided with a concrete drainage ditch. The impact caused the airframe to split into two separate sections, and a subsequent fire broke out. Despite the structural failure and the intensity of the flames, all four occupants managed to evacuate the wreckage without injury. The aircraft was completely destroyed by the fire.

Findings

  • The aircraft veered off the runway following touchdown.
  • The collision with a concrete drainage ditch resulted in the aircraft breaking in two.
  • A post-crash fire led to the total destruction of the airframe.

Probable cause

The aircraft lost directional control during an emergency landing, leading to a runway excursion and structural breakup.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2017-09-21 Cessna 650 Citation VII accident near Istanbul-Atatürk, Turkey?

A twin-engine aircraft returning to Istanbul for an emergency landing veered off the runway and broke in two during a post-crash fire.

Were there any fatalities in the 2017-09-21 Cessna 650 Citation VII accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2017-09-21 involved a Cessna 650 Citation VII, registration TC-KON, operated by Avione Jet, at Istanbul-Atatürk, Turkey.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft lost directional control during an emergency landing, leading to a runway excursion and structural breakup.

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