Fatal Irkutsk Approach Accident Involving Flight SU1912 (CCCP-42405)

Flight Details and Approach Conditions Flight SU1912 departed Odessa Airport in Ukraine on July 24, bound for Vladivostok with intermediate stops in Kiev, Chelyabinsk, Novosibirsk, Irkutsk, and Khabarovsk. During the morning descent to Irkutsk-Intl Airport, the crew encountered poor weather characterized by low clouds and rain. Limited visibility prevented the crew from locating the runway, prompting them to request air traffic control (ATC) assistance on final approach. ## Runway Impact and Post-Impact Sequence The aircraft was unstable during the approach. ATC instructed the crew to turn right to align with the glide path because the aircraft was descending to the left. The aircraft touched down with an excessive vertical speed and an approach speed 32 km/h below the prescribed value. The right main gear struck the runway surface 154 meters past the threshold, followed by the left main gear 183 meters from the threshold. The ground impact exceeded the aircraft's g-load certification. After touchdown, the aircraft went out of control, deviated left from the centerline, lost its left wing, and came to rest in flames approximately 500 meters to the left of the main runway. ## Casualties and Aircraft Status The accident resulted in the deaths of 97 occupants, including four crew members, while 29 other occupants were injured. The aircraft was destroyed. ## Official Findings Investigations revealed that one flight data recorder was out of service due to insufficient technical controls, and the second recorder disconnected when the right main gear impacted the runway. The aircraft's speed was 32 km/h lower than prescribed while the vertical speed was too high, preventing a correct touchdown and causing a violent impact. Aerodynamic forces at impact exceeded certification limits, resulting in loss of control and left wing failure. The probable cause of the speed loss on short final was attributed to a combination of erroneous actions by the flying crew and incorrect speed indication, possibly due to a power system leak at low altitude in marginal weather conditions.