Stavropol - Trabzon

On March 18, 1997 at 10:03 AM, Stavropol - Trabzon experienced a crash involving Antonov AN-24, operated by SAAK Stavropolskaya Aktsionernaya Aviakompania, with the event recorded near Cherkessk Republic of Karachay-Cherkessia.

The flight was categorized as scheduled revenue flight and the reported phase was flight at a plain, valley crash site.

50 people were known to be on board, 50 fatalities were recorded, 0 survivors were identified or estimated. This corresponds to an estimated fatality rate of 100.0%.

Crew on board: 6, crew fatalities: 6, passengers on board: 44, passenger fatalities: 44, other fatalities: 0.

The listed crash cause is human factor. While cruising at an altitude of 6,000 metres, the aircraft suffered a structural failure when the tail separated. The aircraft entered an uncontrolled descent and crashed in a wooded area located about one km from Cherkessk. The aircraft was totally destroyed upon impact and all 50 occupants were killed. The tail was found about 1,600 metres from the main wreckage. It was reported during investigations that the tail separated due to corrosion after the aircraft was operated in humid environment in Zimbabwe and DRC from 15 August 1994 till 28 December 1995.

Aircraft reference details include registration RA-46516, MSN 3 73 085 02, year of manufacture 1973.