Investigation Summary
The approach to Liepāja was significantly outside of stabilized parameters, with the aircraft entering the glide slope at 300 km/h and 300 meters altitude, compared to the recommended 220 km/h and 200 meters. In an attempt to decelerate, the crew engaged reverse thrust while still airborne. Realizing the landing was not viable, they declared a missed approach and applied full power for a go-around. However, a critical failure in coordination or mechanical response left the left engine in beta (reverse) thrust mode. As the right engine accelerated normally, the resulting massive thrust asymmetry forced the aircraft into a left roll. The aircraft initially touched down in a snow-covered field with its gear retracted, bounced back into the air, and then struck a telephone pole which severed 3 meters of the right wing and the aileron. This structural damage caused the aircraft to yaw and bank to the right. The airliner continued flying for 1,270 meters with an increasing right bank angle until a final, fatal impact at a 48-degree bank angle.
Final Conclusions
The investigation concluded that the primary cause was the crew's improper use of reverse thrust during the approach and their failure to ensure both engines were producing forward thrust before attempting a go-around. Contributing factors included the premature retraction of flaps and landing gear during the go-around attempt, which reduced the aircraft's lift and stability at a critical moment of asymmetric thrust.
Photographic Evidence (1)
Video Analysis
Crew errors during landing approach. An 24 crash in Liepaja — A detailed look at the 1967 crash of Aeroflot Flight L-51, where an unstable approach and the misuse of reverse thrust led to a fatal loss of control during a go-around.
If playback is blocked, the owner has disabled embedding — use the link above.
Airframe & Maintenance
Systems & Failure Modes
Reverse Thrust / Beta Mode
A system used to redirect engine thrust forward to decelerate after landing; its improper use in flight led to uncontrollable asymmetry.
Flaps and Landing Gear
Retracted prematurely during the go-around, reducing lift and stability while the crew struggled with engine asymmetry.
Interesting Facts
- 01The aircraft was only 13 months old at the time of the accident.
- 02The approach speed was 80 km/h higher than the recommended 220 km/h.
- 03The aircraft struck a telephone pole which severed 3 meters of the right wing and the aileron.
- 04There was no post-crash fire despite the total destruction of the airframe.
- 05The landing gear was retracted at the time of the first ground contact.
Safety Actions & Advisories
Beta Mode Restrictions
The investigation highlighted the dangers of using reverse thrust (beta mode) in flight, reinforcing procedures that prohibit its engagement before touchdown.