Zone

Crash of an Antonov AN-24RV in Stepanavan

Date & Time: Apr 6, 1993
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
YL-LCH
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Riga - Stepanavan
MSN:
57310309
YOM:
1975
Location:
Country:
Region:
Crew on board:
4
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
28
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Circumstances:
The aircraft landed nose first at Stepanavan Airport. Upon impact, the nose gear collapsed and the aircraft slid for about 600 metres before coming to rest. All 32 occupants evacuated safely and the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Crash of an Antonov AN-2 near Stepanavan: 16 killed

Date & Time: Apr 24, 1961 at 0918 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
CCCP-98247
Flight Phase:
Survivors:
Yes
Site:
Schedule:
Yerevan – Stepanavan
MSN:
199 473 10
YOM:
14
Location:
Country:
Region:
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
17
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
16
Aircraft flight hours:
2225
Circumstances:
The aircraft departed Yerevan-Zvartnots Airport at 0838LT bound for Stepanavan. Weather conditions on the first part of the leg was marginal and poor over the mountains with clouds and rain falls. While cruising at an altitude of 2,320 meters in the clouds, the pilot made a turn to the left when the airplane struck the slope of a mountain located 10 km southwest of Stepanavan Airport. Both pilots and a passenger were injured while all 16 other occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
The accident was the consequence of a poor flight preparation on part of the flying crew and operations of the company, which resulted in the violation of the published procedures as the crew decided to fly in the clouds without any visual references with the ground. Information related to weather conditions and transmitted to the crew did not reflect the truth, which was considered as a contributing factor. It was also reported there were 12 adults and 5 children (aged 3 months to 5 years) on board, which does not comply with the published procedures as the aircraft is certified for 12 passengers only (adults and/or children).