Safonovo - Lakhta

On February 21, 2002 at 08:45 PM, Safonovo - Lakhta experienced a crash involving Antonov AN-26, operated by Russian Navy - Voyenno-morskoy Flot Rossii, with the event recorded near Lakhta AFB Arkhangelsk oblast.

The flight was categorized as military and the reported phase was landing (descent or approach) at a airport (less than 10 km from airport) crash site.

20 people were known to be on board, 17 fatalities were recorded, 3 survivors were identified or estimated. This corresponds to an estimated fatality rate of 85.0%.

Crew on board: 8, crew fatalities: 6, passengers on board: 12, passenger fatalities: 11, other fatalities: 0.

The listed crash cause is human factor. Following an uneventful flight from Safonovo NAS (Severomorsk), the crew started a night descent to Lakhta AFB. Weather conditions were poor with low clouds at 120 metres, a visibility of 1,500 metres and snow squalls. On final, at a distance of 2,700 metres from the runway threshold, the aircraft was 30 metres below the glide. Once the crew reached the decision altitude, he decided to continue despite he did not establish any visual contact with the ground. At a speed of 220-240 km/h and at a height of 16 metres, the right wing collided with trees. The aircraft descended and crashed in a snow covered field located 1,725 metres short of runway and 52 metres to the left of the extended centerline. Three people, among them a pilot, survived, while 17 other occupants were killed. The aircraft was totally destroyed.

Aircraft reference details include registration 07 red, MSN ZR726001, year of manufacture 1975.