On December 25, 1993, a Tupolev TU-154 (registration RA-85296) operated by Vnukovo Airlines - Vnukovskie Avialinii was involved in an aviation accident near Grozny, Russia during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft struck the runway with a nose-first attitude during an approach in poor weather. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
An aircraft flying from Moscow experienced a landing accident at Grozny during poor weather conditions, resulting in no fatalities.
What happened
During a flight originating from Moscow, the crew attempted an approach into Grozny under challenging meteorological conditions. Upon reaching the runway, the aircraft made contact with the ground in a nose-first orientation. This impact caused the nose section of the airframe to separate from the rest of the fuselage.
Following the initial impact, the aircraft continued to slide along the runway surface for several dozen meters before coming to a complete stop. Despite the structural damage to the aircraft, all 172 occupants were able to evacuate the vessel without injury. The aircraft was subsequently declared a total loss.
Findings
The landing was characterized by an improper pitch attitude, specifically a nose-first impact.
Adverse weather conditions were present during the approach and landing phase.
Probable cause
The aircraft struck the runway with a nose-first attitude during an approach in poor weather.