Accident Details
On 9 January 1993, a Tupolev Tu-154 aircraft registered as 85533, wet-leased by Indian Airlines from Uzbekistan Airways, was operating Flight IC-840 from Hyderabad to Delhi. The aircraft was flown by an Uzbek operating crew. There were 165 persons on board, including the crew.
Sequence of Events
The aircraft touched down slightly outside the right edge of the runway, collided with fixed installations on the ground, and became airborne again. It subsequently touched down on unpaved ground to the right of the runway. During this final impact, the right wing and tail separated, and the aircraft came to rest inverted. A fire ensued, and the aircraft was destroyed.
Injuries and Damage
Most occupants escaped unhurt. Six persons sustained serious injuries, including limb fractures, while 45 others suffered minor injuries. The aircraft was destroyed by impact and fire.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause of the accident was attributed to:
- The failure of the Pilot-in-Command to divert to Ahmedabad when informed that the RVR on runway 28 was below the minima applicable to his flight.
- The switching on of landing lights, on the instruction of the second Captain, at a height of only about ten metres, resulting in the loss of all visual references due to the blinding effect of light reflections from fog.
- The failure of the captain to carry out a missed approach when visual reference to the runway was lost.