Investigation Summary
The investigation into Flight 5719 revealed a systemic failure in operational discipline. The aircraft, an Antonov An-26B, is a dedicated freight version of the An-26, yet it was used to transport 31 passengers—a direct violation of the airframe's certification. Most of these passengers were not listed on the official manifest, which only accounted for 6 individuals. In addition to the human load, the cargo hold contained two vehicles, including a Lada Niva, and petrol cans, which were not properly secured. This combination of factors resulted in the aircraft's weight exceeding its maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) by 2,246 kilograms (4,952 lb). Upon arrival at Gyumri, the crew faced visibility of only 200 meters, well below the legal landing minimums. Despite the unstable approach and poor visibility, the crew continued the descent until the last moment. When they finally attempted to abort the landing, the overloaded aircraft lacked the performance to climb away, stalled, and struck the ground nearly 3 kilometers past the runway threshold, coming to rest in a river bed.
Final Conclusions
The primary cause of the accident was the crew's decision to operate an aircraft that was significantly overloaded and improperly balanced, combined with their failure to execute a go-around at the appropriate altitude. Contributing factors included the violation of passenger manifest regulations, the failure to secure heavy cargo (vehicles), and the attempt to land in weather conditions that were below established safety minimums.
Video Analysis
No video analysis linked for this case file yet.
Airframe & Maintenance
Systems & Failure Modes
Cargo Restraints
The vehicles in the cargo hold were not properly secured, potentially leading to a shift in the center of gravity during maneuvers.
Flight Manifest
The official documentation failed to account for the majority of the 31 passengers on board, masking the true weight of the aircraft.
Interesting Facts
- 01The aircraft was carrying 31 passengers despite only 5 or 6 being listed on the official flight manifest (sources vary).
- 02The cargo included two cars, one of which was a Lada Niva, and petrol cans, which were not properly secured in the hold.
- 03The aircraft exceeded its maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) by 2,246 kg (4,952 lb).
- 04Visibility at the time of the accident was 200 meters, which was below the airport's landing minimums.
- 05There was only one survivor, a passenger who was seriously injured.
- 06The aircraft serial number (MSN) was 12903 and it was manufactured in 1983.
Safety Actions & Advisories
Manifest Enforcement
The accident highlighted the critical need for strict adherence to passenger manifests and weight and balance calculations in post-Soviet civil aviation.
Cargo Security Standards
The investigation emphasized the necessity of properly securing heavy cargo, such as vehicles, to prevent center of gravity shifts during critical phases of flight.