Investigation Summary
The flight was a domestic charter transporting fans from Odesa to Donetsk for a match between Shakhtar Donetsk and Borussia Dortmund. Although the official manifest listed 36 passengers and 7 crew, subsequent investigations revealed several unregistered passengers, bringing the total souls on board to 52. During the approach to Donetsk, the airport was experiencing heavy fog. As the aircraft reached the Minimum Descent Altitude (MDA), the crew failed to establish the required visual contact with the runway or approach lighting system. Instead of initiating a mandatory go-around, the captain reduced the rate of descent while continuing the approach. During this maneuver, the aircraft's airspeed decayed significantly. The Antonov An-24 slowed to a point below its minimum control speed, leading to an aerodynamic stall. The aircraft rolled to a bank angle of 48 degrees and struck the ground with its right wing. The impact caused the fuselage to break open and the aircraft to overturn and catch fire. The majority of survivors were able to evacuate through the hole created by the structural failure of the fuselage.
Final Conclusions
The investigation concluded that the primary cause of the accident was pilot error by an unprepared crew. The crew lacked the necessary clearance and training to operate in the specific low-visibility weather conditions present at Donetsk. Key contributing factors included the failure to initiate a go-around when visual references were not established at the MDA, and the subsequent loss of airspeed which resulted in a stall at low altitude. The Ministry of Transport also noted the presence of unregistered passengers on the flight, indicating operational irregularities.
Video Analysis
No video analysis linked for this case file yet.
Systems & Failure Modes
Minimum Descent Altitude (MDA)
The lowest altitude to which descent is authorized on final approach where no electronic glideslope is provided; the crew failed to go-around when visual contact was not made at this height.
Minimum Control Speed
The lowest speed at which the aircraft can be safely controlled; the crew allowed the aircraft to slow below this threshold, leading to a stall.
Interesting Facts
- 01The aircraft was an Antonov An-24RV built in 1973.
- 02The flight was a charter carrying fans for a UEFA Champions League match between Shakhtar Donetsk and Borussia Dortmund.
- 03There were several unregistered passengers on board, bringing the actual total to 52 people despite a manifest of 43.
- 04The aircraft impacted soft ground between the main runway and a taxiway.
- 05The match in Donetsk began with a minute of silence for the victims.
Safety Actions & Advisories
Operational Oversight
The investigation highlighted the failure of the airline to ensure the crew was properly cleared and prepared for the weather conditions, leading to increased scrutiny of charter flight manifests and crew qualifications.