Aircraft overrun and crash during approach to Kobyay Airport

No fatalities • Kobyay, Russia • Takeoff (climb)

An ambulance flight operating between Pokrovsk and Sangar crashed in snow-covered terrain after an unstable approach and runway excursion at Kobyay Airport.

What happened

An ambulance mission originated in Pokrovsk, scheduled to visit Magan and Kobyay before concluding in Sangar. During the final approach to Kobyay Airport, the An-2 was operating at an excessive speed and at an altitude that was too high for a stabilized approach. Instead of performing a go-around, the pilot continued the landing attempt, resulting in the aircraft touching down 375 metres beyond the runway threshold. Given that the total runway length was only 600 metres, the crew lacked sufficient distance to decelerate.

The aircraft subsequently overran the runway, striking several obstacles before coming to a halt 50 metres past the end of the paved surface. Following the excursion, the crew chose not to notify the operating company and attempted a departure just minutes later. During this subsequent takeoff attempt, the aircraft failed to reach the necessary airspeed and altitude. The plane impacted trees in a snow-covered area and caught fire. The accident resulted in 13 injuries, with 5 of the occupants sustaining serious wounds. The aircraft was destroyed by the resulting flames.

Findings

  • The initial approach was unstable due to excessive speed and altitude.
  • The failure to execute a go-around led to the runway overrun.
  • The decision to attempt a takeoff immediately following the excursion contributed to the final crash.

Probable cause

The pilot's decision to continue an unstable approach and the subsequent attempt to depart immediately after a runway excursion led to the crash.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2001-04-23 PZL-Mielec AN-2 accident near Kobyay, Russia?

An ambulance flight operating between Pokrovsk and Sangar crashed in snow-covered terrain after an unstable approach and runway excursion at Kobyay Airport.

Were there any fatalities in the 2001-04-23 PZL-Mielec AN-2 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2001-04-23 involved a PZL-Mielec AN-2, registration RA-01122, operated by ROSTO, at Kobyay, Russia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's decision to continue an unstable approach and the subsequent attempt to depart immediately after a runway excursion led to the crash.

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