Aircraft crash on Mt Pyatibratka during approach to Palana Airport

10 fatalities • Palana, Russia • Landing (descent or approach)

A twin-engine aircraft crashed in a wooded area on Mt Pyatibratka during its descent to Palana Airport, resulting in ten fatalities.

What happened

During an approach to Runway 11 at Palana Airport, a twin-engine aircraft operating from Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky entered a descent from the south. While navigating through marginal weather conditions, the aircraft descended below the safe altitude and struck trees in a forested region of Mt Pyatibratka. The wreckage was subsequently located approximately 10 km south of the destination airport at an elevation of 216 meters.

The impact resulted in the deaths of both pilots and 8 passengers. Additionally, four passengers sustained serious injuries during the accident. The force of the collision caused the total destruction of the airframe.

Findings

  • The accident occurred during the descent phase of flight.
  • The aircraft descended too low while operating in poor visibility or marginal weather conditions.

Probable cause

The aircraft descended to an insufficient altitude during its approach in marginal weather, leading to a collision with terrain and trees.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2012-09-12 PZL-Mielec AN-28 accident near Palana, Russia?

A twin-engine aircraft crashed in a wooded area on Mt Pyatibratka during its descent to Palana Airport, resulting in ten fatalities.

Were there any fatalities in the 2012-09-12 PZL-Mielec AN-28 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 10 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2012-09-12 involved a PZL-Mielec AN-28, registration RA-28715, operated by Khamchatsky Air Enterprise, at Palana, Russia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft descended to an insufficient altitude during its approach in marginal weather, leading to a collision with terrain and trees.

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