On October 12, 1990, a Let L-410 (registration CCCP-67331) operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Odessa, Ukraine during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot mistakenly engaged the reverse thrust on both engines during the final approach, causing an uncontrolled descent. 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.
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.