Aviation Accident: Scheduled Flight Moscow to Prague (CCCP-85023)

Flight Progression and Approach Sequence The aircraft departed at 0650 GMT on a scheduled flight from Moscow to Prague. During the en route phase, it climbed to 10,650 m over the Romanian People's Republic and subsequently descended in accordance with air traffic control instructions. The crew crossed the Czechoslovak frontier at 6,700 m and continued to follow all assigned altitudes and headings. At 0854 GMT, the aircraft reported overhead OKX at 6,700 m and was cleared to descend to 2,450 m while tuning to the Rodnice (RCE) VOR. It reached Rodnice at 2,450 m at 0900 GMT and was instructed to switch to the approach frequency of 121.4 MHz. The crew complied with all subsequent instructions, including a clearance to fly via MO until intercepting the approach beacon, then descend to 1,200 m and report at 1,500 m. ## Final Approach and Impact At 0902 GMT, the aircraft reported descending through 1,500 m on a 135° heading and was cleared to continue to the ILS approach beacon. It was given priority to land on Runway 25 and instructed to descend to 500 m on QFE 730.1 mm. At 0904 GMT, it was cleared to descend to 350 m on QFE and informed it was 2 km off the course line. After 40 seconds, the radar controller confirmed the aircraft was correctly aligned and 15 km from the aerodrome. At 0905 GMT, the aircraft switched to the tower frequency and reported it was approaching to land. The tower cleared it to land on Runway 25 and reported wind conditions of 250° at 4 m/s. At 0906 GMT, the aircraft requested and received a runway braking coefficient of 5, and was again cleared to land. The crew acknowledged this data at 0906.30 GMT, which was the last contact with the aircraft. ## Accident Details and Casualties The aircraft maintained correct heights and headings throughout the approach and did not report any defects or trouble on ATC frequencies. The descent proceeded normally along the ILS glide path until the vicinity of the “L” marker. Near this aid, the aircraft suddenly descended below the glide path, continuing at an average angle of 4.62° below the glide path. It struck the ground with the nosewheel at a point 467 m before the threshold of Runway 25. The aircraft disintegrated on impact and was destroyed by a post-crash fire. Four stewardesses and 62 passengers were killed, 18 occupants were seriously injured, and 16 were uninjured.