Reverse thrust error leads to accident at Odessa-Central Airport

No fatalities • Odessa, Ukraine • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft experienced an uncontrolled descent during its final approach to Odessa-Central Airport after the pilot incorrectly engaged reverse thrust.

What happened

During the final approach phase at Odessa-Central Airport, the flight crew inadvertently activated the reverse thrust on both engines. This error triggered an uncontrolled descent of the aircraft. The impact occurred approximately 22 meters before reaching the runway threshold, with the airframe experiencing a positive acceleration of 4.4 g during the event. Despite the severity of the impact, all 15 occupants were successfully rescued from the wreckage.

Findings

  • The primary factor in the accident was the incorrect activation of reverse thrust by the captain while the aircraft was on final approach.

Probable cause

The pilot mistakenly engaged the reverse thrust on both engines during the final approach, causing an uncontrolled descent.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1990-10-12 Let L-410 accident near Odessa, Ukraine?

An aircraft experienced an uncontrolled descent during its final approach to Odessa-Central Airport after the pilot incorrectly engaged reverse thrust.

Were there any fatalities in the 1990-10-12 Let L-410 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1990-10-12 involved a Let L-410, registration CCCP-67331, operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines, at Odessa, Ukraine.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot mistakenly engaged the reverse thrust on both engines during the final approach, causing an uncontrolled descent.

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