No fatalities

Night Approach Accident at Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk (CCCP-75823)

Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, RussiaLanding (descent or approach)

On August 23, 1970, an Ilyushin II-18 (registration CCCP-75823) operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, Russia during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Wrong approach configuration on part of the pilot-in-command. Poor crew coordination and poor weather conditions were considered as contributing factors. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft struck the runway nose-first during a night approach in heavy rain at Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk. The crew escaped uninjured, but the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Incident Overview and Approach Conditions The flight crew initiated an approach to Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk during nighttime conditions accompanied by heavy rain. During the short final segment, the pilot-in-command determined that the aircraft was positioned significantly above the intended glide path. In response, the captain elected to increase the rate of descent to align with the runway. ## Impact and Subsequent Damage The aircraft made initial contact with the runway surface nose-first at a speed of 230 km/h, generating a positive acceleration of 2.8 g. Following the initial impact, the aircraft bounced and made a second landing, which produced an acceleration of 3.8 g. The collision resulted in the nose gear being torn off, the detachment of engine number one, and bending of both wings. After the impacts, the aircraft slid for several yards before coming to a complete stop. ## Occupant Outcomes and Aircraft Status All individuals on board the aircraft escaped the incident without sustaining injuries. Despite the successful evacuation, the aircraft sustained extensive structural and mechanical damage that rendered it beyond repair.

Probable cause

Wrong approach configuration on part of the pilot-in-command. Poor crew coordination and poor weather conditions were considered as contributing factors.