Approach accident at Karaganda Airport

No fatalities • Karaganda, Kazakhstan • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft attempted an approach to Karaganda Airport despite instructions to divert, resulting in a ground impact short of the runway.

What happened

During an approach toward Karaganda Airport, air traffic control notified the flight crew that the airfield was unavailable for operations and issued instructions to divert the flight to Tselinograd. The pilot did not follow this directive and proceeded with the descent toward the closed runway.

As the aircraft descended through the final layer of cloud cover, it was determined to be at an insufficient altitude. While the captain attempted to initiate a go-around maneuver, the aircraft impacted the terrain approximately 700 meters before reaching the runway threshold. The impact resulted in the aircraft being destroyed beyond repair, though there were no fatalities among the occupants, and all individuals on board survived the event.

Findings

Investigations into the incident concluded that the primary factor was crew error regarding the decision to ignore diversion instructions and continue the approach to a closed airfield.

Probable cause

The crew failed to comply with air traffic control instructions to divert, leading to an unstable approach and ground impact.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1968-01-09 Ilyushin II-18 accident near Karaganda, Kazakhstan?

An aircraft attempted an approach to Karaganda Airport despite instructions to divert, resulting in a ground impact short of the runway.

Were there any fatalities in the 1968-01-09 Ilyushin II-18 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1968-01-09 involved a Ilyushin II-18, registration CCCP-75519, operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines, at Karaganda, Kazakhstan.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The crew failed to comply with air traffic control instructions to divert, leading to an unstable approach and ground impact.

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