Investigation Summary
The investigation into the crash of the Antonov An-72 revealed a complex sequence of technical failures compounded by crew error. During the approach to Shymkent, the aircraft experienced simultaneous malfunctions of the autopilot and the radio altimeter. These technical issues occurred while the crew was navigating through adverse weather conditions with significantly reduced visibility. Investigators determined that the flight crew failed to transition to using the barometric altimeter as required by standard operating procedures when the radio altimeter failed. This lack of instrument cross-checking led to a loss of situational awareness regarding the aircraft's actual altitude, resulting in the aircraft striking the ground while the crew believed they were still at a safe height.
Final Conclusions
The investigation commission concluded that the crash was caused by a combination of technical failures and human factors. Specifically, the failure of the autopilot and radio altimeter, occurring in conditions of poor visibility, created a high-workload environment. The critical error was the pilot's failure to follow instructions to utilize the barometric altimeter for altitude monitoring after the primary radio-based system failed.
Photographic Evidence (1)
Video Analysis
2012 Kazakhstan Antonov An-72 [UP-72859] crash CVR — On December 25, 2012, a Kazakhstan Border Guards Antonov An-72 was operating a military flight carrying 20 passengers and 7 crew members when it crashed near Shymkent.
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Systems & Failure Modes
Radio Altimeter
A system that measures altitude above the terrain immediately below the aircraft; its failure deprived the crew of accurate height-above-ground data.
Autopilot
The automated flight control system failed during the descent, increasing the manual workload for the crew in poor visibility.
Barometric Altimeter
A backup instrument that measures altitude based on atmospheric pressure; the crew failed to properly utilize this system after the radio altimeter failed.
Interesting Facts
- 01The aircraft was carrying 20 members of the Kazakh border patrol and 7 crew members.
- 02Among the fatalities was Colonel Turganbek Stambekov, the acting director of the Kazakhstan Border Guard Service.
- 03The last recorded altitude of the aircraft during its descent prior to impact was approximately 800 meters (2,600 feet).
- 04The aircraft involved, UP-72859, had been photographed in service just one month prior to the accident.
Safety Actions & Advisories
Instrument Redundancy Training
The investigation emphasized the necessity for pilots to strictly follow procedures for switching to barometric instruments when electronic height-finding systems fail.