What happened
During the final approach phase toward the threshold of runway 11 at Chita-Kadala Airport, the aircraft was positioned too high on its glide path. Rather than initiating a missed approach, the captain attempted to correct the descent by pushing forward on the control column. This maneuver caused the nose to dip, leading the aircraft to strike the ground approximately 240 meters beyond the runway threshold.
The impact resulted in the separation of the nose landing gear. After traveling several hundred meters along the runway surface, the plane veered toward the right side of the runway and exited the paved area into a grassy field. The aircraft subsequently broke into two sections and caught fire. Despite the structural failure and subsequent flames, all 184 occupants were successfully rescued, with four injuries reported among the passengers and crew.
Findings
Investigations concluded that the primary reason for the accident was an improper approach configuration by the flight crew, specifically their failure to perform a go-around despite being outside of established glide path parameters. Several contributing factors were identified regarding the crew's performance:
- The crew conducted an insufficient briefing regarding the approach.
- Standard procedures outlined in the approach charts were not followed prior to entering the approach circuit.
- Necessary steps concerning the deployment of flaps and landing gear were neglected.
- The aircraft maintained an altitude of 1,030 meters over the inner marker, significantly exceeding the required 750 meters.
- The approach speed was 90 km/h higher than the prescribed limit.
- Poor crew coordination and several incorrect decision-making processes by the flight crew contributed to the event.