No fatalities

1984-06-16: Ilyushin II-18 (LZ-BEP) — Balkan Bulgarian Airlines — Sana'a, Yemen

Sana'a, YemenLanding (descent or approach)

On June 16, 1984, an Ilyushin II-18 (registration LZ-BEP) operated by Balkan Bulgarian Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Sana'a, Yemen during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Wrong approach configuration on part of the flying crew. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781219453Data APIEditorial standards
Aircraft registered LZ-BEP
Aircraft registered LZ-BEP. Photo: Ken Fielding / CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

An aircraft landed nose gear first at Sana'a Airport, bounced four times, overran the runway, lost its undercarriage, and was damaged beyond repair. All 18 occupants escaped uninjured.

Incident Overview

An aircraft on approach to Sana'a Airport was flown in a nose-down attitude, resulting in a landing with the nose gear contacting the runway first. The aircraft subsequently bounced four times before making a firm touchdown. Unable to stop within the remaining runway distance, it overran the end of the strip, losing its undercarriage in the process and coming to rest.

Occupant Status and Damage

All 18 occupants aboard the aircraft evacuated without injury. However, the aircraft sustained damage beyond economical repair.

Probable Cause

The official investigation determined the probable cause to be a wrong approach configuration on the part of the flying crew.