Aircraft runway impact during final approach

No fatalities • Shelopugino, Russia • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft sustained heavy damage after a rapid descent caused the airframe to strike the runway surface during its final approach.

What happened

During the final stage of the flight, while maintaining an altitude of approximately six metres, the flight crew decreased engine power to idle. This reduction in thrust resulted in a sudden and rapid descent of the aircraft. The impact with the runway surface was characterized by a significant positive acceleration of 4.25 g.

Despite the force of the impact, all 13 occupants were able to evacuate the aircraft without sustaining any injuries. The aircraft itself suffered extensive damage during the event and was subsequently declared a total loss.

Findings

  • The primary factor in the descent was the reduction of engine power to idle during the final segment of the flight.
  • The sudden loss of thrust led to the rapid sinking of the aircraft into the runway.

Probable cause

The aircraft's rapid descent and subsequent runway impact were caused by the crew reducing engine power to idle at a low altitude.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1991-10-23 PZL-Mielec AN-28 accident near Shelopugino, Russia?

An aircraft sustained heavy damage after a rapid descent caused the airframe to strike the runway surface during its final approach.

Were there any fatalities in the 1991-10-23 PZL-Mielec AN-28 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1991-10-23 involved a PZL-Mielec AN-28, registration CCCP-28924, operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines, at Shelopugino, Russia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft's rapid descent and subsequent runway impact were caused by the crew reducing engine power to idle at a low altitude.

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