Fatal training accident at Gyandzha Airport

6 fatalities • Gyandzha, Azerbaijan • Landing (descent or approach)

A training flight ended in a fatal crash at Gyandzha Airport after the aircraft experienced a sudden nose-down pitch during an approach.

What happened

During a local training session at Gyandzha Airport, the crew was engaged in a series of maneuvers, having already successfully completed three full stops and one touch-and-go procedure. While attempting to execute a new approach following a circuit, the aircraft experienced a sudden and extreme pitch deviation, with the nose dropping to a 70-degree angle.

This loss of control resulted in the aircraft striking the ground 5,160 meters before the runway threshold, positioned 93 meters to the left of the extended centerline. The impact was severe enough to cause the aircraft to disintegrate. There were six fatalities among the crew members on board.

Findings

  • The aircraft entered a steep descent of 70 degrees during the approach phase.
  • The wreckage was located significantly short of the runway and offset from the centerline.

Probable cause

The aircraft experienced a sudden, extreme nose-down pitch during an approach maneuver, leading to a high-impact crash.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1997-05-15 Yakovlev Yak-40 accident near Gyandzha, Azerbaijan?

A training flight ended in a fatal crash at Gyandzha Airport after the aircraft experienced a sudden nose-down pitch during an approach.

Were there any fatalities in the 1997-05-15 Yakovlev Yak-40 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 6 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1997-05-15 involved a Yakovlev Yak-40, registration 4K-87504, operated by Azerbaijan Airlines - AZAL Airlines, at Gyandzha, Azerbaijan.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft experienced a sudden, extreme nose-down pitch during an approach maneuver, leading to a high-impact crash.

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