Yuzhno-Kurilsk (Kuril Island) | Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives

On approach to Yuzhno-Kurilsk, the crew realized that the sea was relatively rough with waves of 1,5 meter. Despite the situation, the crew decided to land in the bay. After touchdown, the right float was torn off and the aircraft rolled to the right and came to rest 120 metres offshore, partially submerged. All 20 occupants were rescued while a rescuer died from hypothermia. The aircraft partially sank as the fuselage was cut in several places after suffering chocks with water.

Crash of a Beriev BE-12NKh off Yuzhno-Kurilsk

Date & Time: Mar 30, 1993

Type of aircraft:

Beriev Be-12

Operator:

TANTK - Taganrog ANTK

Registration:

65 yellow

Flight Phase:

Landing (descent or approach)

Flight Type:

Scheduled Revenue Flight

Survivors:

Yes

Site:

Lake, Sea, Ocean, River

Schedule:

Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk - Yuzhno-Kurilsk

MSN:

9 6 014 03

YOM:

1969

Location:

Yuzhno-Kurilsk (Kuril Island)

Sakhalin oblast

Country:

Russia

Region:

Asia

Crew on board:

Crew fatalities:

Pax on board:

Pax fatalities:

Other fatalities:

Total fatalities:

Circumstances:

The crew miscalculated speed and propeller pitch on approach to Yuzhno-Kurilsk. The seaplane landed at an excessive speed and while making a right turn in shallow water (1,6 metre deep), the right float struck the water surface and was torn off. In the meantime, the aircraft collided with a sandbank, causing a tear in the fuselage. Water entered the cabin and the aircraft came to rest about 20 metres from the shore. All 38 occupants escaped uninjured and the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Probable cause:

Poor approach planning and poor landing techniques on part of the crew.