Aircraft excursion at Rogachevo Air Base

No fatalities • Rogachevo AFB, Russia • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft experienced a runway excursion during a night landing at Rogachevo AFB due to heavy snowfall and visibility issues.

What happened

During a nighttime approach to Rogachevo AFB (Amderma-2), the aircraft encountered low visibility caused by active snowfall. Upon touchdown, the aircraft was traveling at 276 km/h and experienced a positive acceleration of 1.85 g, landing approximately five meters to the right of the runway centerline. The impact resulted in a bounce, leading to a second touchdown 160 meters further down the runway with an acceleration of 1.8 g.

Following the second contact with the ground, the aircraft lost directional control and veered off the runway to the right side. During the excursion, the plane struck an APM-90 spotlight system mounted on a ZiL-130 truck chassis. The collision caused the separation of the right main landing gear and both engines on the right side of the airframe. The aircraft eventually stopped in the snow. There were no injuries among the 10 occupants, though the aircraft sustained damage that rendered it a total loss.

Findings

Investigation into the incident suggests that the crew may have been blinded by light reflection from a snow flurry hitting the aircraft's landing lights during the final approach.

Probable cause

The flight crew likely experienced visual impairment due to landing lights reflecting off falling snow.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1988-11-19 Ilyushin II-76 accident near Rogachevo AFB, Russia?

An aircraft experienced a runway excursion during a night landing at Rogachevo AFB due to heavy snowfall and visibility issues.

Were there any fatalities in the 1988-11-19 Ilyushin II-76 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1988-11-19 involved a Ilyushin II-76, registration CCCP-78771, operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines, at Rogachevo AFB, Russia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The flight crew likely experienced visual impairment due to landing lights reflecting off falling snow.

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