Aircraft fire following touchdown error during night approach

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

An aircraft caught fire and veered off the runway after a landing attempt was performed with the wheel brakes engaged, resulting in several injuries.

What happened

During a nighttime final approach, the crew executed the landing procedure while the wheel brakes remained locked. As the aircraft type made contact with the runway, the pressure caused all tires to burst. The structural integrity of the left main landing gear failed, leading to the gear breaking away from the airframe. This failure caused the left wing to impact the ground surface.

This impact punctured a fuel tank, initiating an intense fire. The loss of control caused the aircraft to veer toward the right side of the runway, where it eventually came to a halt while engulfed in flames. While all 89 occupants survived the incident, 10 individuals, including two members of the crew, sustained injuries. The aircraft was completely destroyed by the resulting fire.

Findings

Investigations into the accident determined that the primary factor was inadequate approach planning by the flight crew. Specifically, the crew failed to adhere to the established approach checklist, which resulted in the landing being performed with the brakes applied.

Probable cause

The crew's failure to follow standard approach checklists led to the aircraft landing with the wheel brakes engaged.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1979-05-19 Tupolev TU-134 accident near Ufa, Russia?

An aircraft caught fire and veered off the runway after a landing attempt was performed with the wheel brakes engaged, resulting in several injuries.

Were there any fatalities in the 1979-05-19 Tupolev TU-134 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1979-05-19 involved a Tupolev TU-134, registration CCCP-65839, operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines, at Ufa, Russia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The crew's failure to follow standard approach checklists led to the aircraft landing with the wheel brakes engaged.

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