Runway excursion during takeoff involving aircraft with retracted flaps

No fatalities • Ayan, Russia • Takeoff (climb)

An aircraft veered off the runway and overran the threshold during a takeoff roll following improper flight preparation and runway selection.

What happened

During the takeoff phase, an aircraft experienced a runway excursion following inadequate pre-flight preparations. The crew selected an incorrect runway based on the prevailing wind components, resulting in a takeoff roll performed with a tailwind and with the flaps in a retracted position.

Rather than utilizing the full length of the available runway, the captain initiated the takeoff roll from an intersection. This reduced the available takeoff distance to 660 metres. Approximately 190 metres into the roll, the aircraft drifted to the right, exiting the paved surface and entering soft terrain.

As the aircraft continued to travel for an additional 95 metres, the tail ski was ripped from the structure after striking an earth mound measuring 40 cm in height. The aircraft eventually came to a stop 30 metres beyond the end of the runway. There were no injuries among the 11 occupants on board, though the aircraft sustained damage that rendered it a total loss.

Findings

  • The crew performed the takeoff with flaps retracted and utilized a runway that was unsuitable due to the wind direction.
  • The decision to begin the takeoff roll from an intersection significantly limited the available runway length.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by improper flight preparation, specifically the selection of an incorrect runway and the decision to take off with retracted flaps and a tailwind.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1998-12-20 PZL-Mielec AN-2 accident near Ayan, Russia?

An aircraft veered off the runway and overran the threshold during a takeoff roll following improper flight preparation and runway selection.

Were there any fatalities in the 1998-12-20 PZL-Mielec AN-2 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1998-12-20 involved a PZL-Mielec AN-2, registration RA-02482, operated by Nikolayevski Aviation Enterprise, at Ayan, Russia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by improper flight preparation, specifically the selection of an incorrect runway and the decision to take off with retracted flaps and a tailwind.

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