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Accident at Cape Schmidt: Pilot Idle Engine Mistake Leads to Runway Short (CCCP-28797)

Cape Schmidt, RussiaLanding (descent or approach)

On February 1, 1995, a PZL-Mielec AN-28 (registration CCCP-28797) operated by Chukotavia was involved in an aviation accident near Cape Schmidt, Russia during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Loss of control on short final after the pilot mistakenly put the engines on idle. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-11Data APIEditorial standards

On final approach to Cape Schmidt, a pilot mistakenly idled the engines, causing the aircraft to lose height and strike the ground short of the runway. All 10 occupants were uninjured, but the aircraft was destroyed.

Accident Details

During the final approach to Cape Schmidt, the pilot mistakenly set the engines to idle. This caused the aircraft to lose altitude and strike the ground approximately 15 meters short of the runway. The impact caused the aircraft to bounce, and it landed again 20 meters further. Upon the second impact, the right main landing gear was lost. The aircraft subsequently came to rest 225 meters beyond the initial impact point.

Occupants and Damage

All ten occupants on board escaped uninjured. However, the aircraft sustained substantial damage and was deemed beyond repair. As of May 2013, the wreckage remained at Cape Schmidt at coordinates N68.87953 W179.37426.

Probable Cause

The official investigation determined the probable cause to be a loss of control on short final after the pilot mistakenly placed the engines on idle.

Loss of control in flight

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