Aircraft crash near Kharkiv-Osnova Airport

15 fatalities • Kharkiv, Ukraine • Landing (descent or approach)

A flight crashed during a night approach to Kharkiv-Osnova Airport following an uncontrolled descent and stall, resulting in 15 fatalities.

What happened

While conducting a night approach under challenging weather conditions at Kharkiv-Osnova Airport, the aircraft experienced a sudden loss of altitude. The pilot-in-command initiated a descent that was too low after spotting a railway line. In an effort to steer clear of nearby electric poles, the pilot attempted a right-hand turn. This maneuver caused the aircraft to stall, leading to a nose-first impact in a residential garden area. The wreckage was located approximately 2,300 meters before the runway threshold and 150 meters to the right of the extended centerline. The accident resulted in 15 fatalities and one serious injury. The impact caused the total destruction of the aircraft.

Findings

Investigations into the crash revealed that the flight crew utilized an incorrect approach configuration. During the maneuver intended to avoid obstacles, both engines were found to be operating at idle power. The investigation concluded that the primary factor was improper approach techniques used by the crew, which deviated from established procedures and failed to account for the prevailing weather conditions.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by the crew's failure to follow standard approach procedures and the use of an incorrect aircraft configuration during poor weather.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1953-10-31 Lisunov LI-2 accident near Kharkiv, Ukraine?

A flight crashed during a night approach to Kharkiv-Osnova Airport following an uncontrolled descent and stall, resulting in 15 fatalities.

Were there any fatalities in the 1953-10-31 Lisunov LI-2 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 15 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1953-10-31 involved a Lisunov LI-2, registration CCCP-L4732, operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines, at Kharkiv, Ukraine.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by the crew's failure to follow standard approach procedures and the use of an incorrect aircraft configuration during poor weather.

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