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Aircraft Skids Off Runway After Landing in Snow at Mashhad (EP-ZAB)

Mashhad, IranLanding (descent or approach)

On January 28, 2016, a McDonnell Douglas MD-83 (registration EP-ZAB) operated by Zagros Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Mashhad, Iran during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Loss of control after touchdown due to an abnormal use by the captain of the reverse thrust systems, which caused the aircraft to slide and to become out of control; weather conditions deteriorated with a sudden drop in temperature and a reduced visibility;… This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft veered left off runway 31R after landing in snow at Mashhad, sustaining substantial damage. All 162 occupants evacuated safely.

Incident Overview

An aircraft performing a scheduled flight from Isfahan experienced a loss of control after touchdown at Mashhad Airport. The approach was conducted during night hours in poor weather conditions with reduced visibility due to snowfall. After landing on runway 31R, the crew initiated braking and reverse thrust. The aircraft then skidded, veered to the left, and lost both main landing gear assemblies. It came to rest 55 metres to the left of the runway, approximately 1,311 metres from the threshold.

Occupant Safety and Aircraft Damage

All 162 persons on board evacuated safely. The aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Official Findings

The investigation identified the following factors:

  • Loss of control after touchdown due to abnormal use of reverse thrust systems by the captain, causing the aircraft to slide and become uncontrollable.
  • Deteriorating weather conditions with a sudden temperature drop and reduced visibility.
  • Runway visual range (RVR) limited to 811 metres.
  • The crew did not initiate a go-around.
  • The captain displayed overconfidence attributable to his extensive experience.
  • Poor crew resource management.
  • Low braking coefficient due to excessive rubber deposits on the runway surface combined with a layer of snow that airport authorities did not consider necessary to clear in a timely manner.

Probable cause

Loss of control after touchdown due to an abnormal use by the captain of the reverse thrust systems, which caused the aircraft to slide and to become out of control; weather conditions deteriorated with a sudden drop in temperature and a reduced visibility; limited RVR to 811 metres; the crew failed to initiate a go-around procedure; overconfidence on part of the captain due to his high experience; poor crew resource management; the braking coefficient was low due to an excessive deposit of rubber on the runway surface, combined with a layer of snow that the airport authorities did not consider necessary to clear in due time.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 28 Jan 2016 McDonnell Douglas MD-83 accident near Mashhad, Iran?

An aircraft veered left off runway 31R after landing in snow at Mashhad, sustaining substantial damage. All 162 occupants evacuated safely.

Were there any fatalities in the 28 Jan 2016 McDonnell Douglas MD-83 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 28 Jan 2016 involved a McDonnell Douglas MD-83, registration EP-ZAB, operated by Zagros Airlines, at Mashhad, Iran.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Loss of control after touchdown due to an abnormal use by the captain of the reverse thrust systems, which caused the aircraft to slide and to become out of control; weather conditions deteriorated with a sudden drop in temperature and a reduced visibility; limited RVR to 811 metres; the crew failed to initiate a…

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