No fatalities

1992-03-13: Let L-410 (OK-PDI) — Slov-Air — Žilina, Slovakia

Žilina, SlovakiaLanding (descent or approach)

On March 13, 1992, a Let L-410 (registration OK-PDI) operated by Slov-Air was involved in an aviation accident near Žilina, Slovakia during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Wrong approach configuration on part of the crew who completed a non precision approach with an excessive tailwind component. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781211168Data APIEditorial standards

A non-precision approach to Žilina Airport in rain with a strong tailwind resulted in a bounced landing, nose gear failure, and the aircraft veering off the runway. All nine occupants were rescued.

Accident Details

The crew of the aircraft performed a non-precision approach to Žilina Airport. The weather conditions at the time were rainy with a strong tailwind component. The approach resulted in the aircraft being too long for a normal landing. The crew subsequently decided to force the aircraft onto the runway surface.

Landing Sequence

During the landing, the aircraft struck the runway and bounced, reaching a height of approximately 7 meters. It then descended again, with the nose gear making initial contact with the ground. The impact tore the nose gear off the aircraft. Following the loss of the nose gear, the aircraft became uncontrollable.

Aftermath

The aircraft veered to the right and departed the runway, coming to rest in a grassy area. Emergency services responded and all nine occupants were rescued from the wreckage. The aircraft was damaged beyond repair as a result of the accident.

Probable Cause

The official investigation determined that the probable cause was a wrong approach configuration on the part of the crew, who completed a non-precision approach with an excessive tailwind component. Contributing factors reported included: wrong evaluation of the situation, poor judgment, poor crew coordination and lack of mutual checks, poor approach and landing planning, the crew failed to initiate a go-around procedure, excessive tailwind component, and poor weather conditions.