A Volga-Dnepr Airlines Antonov An-124 was forced to make an emergency landing in Novosibirsk, Russia, shortly after take-off on Saturday morning, following what is believed to be an uncontained engine failure.
The aircraft, registration RA-82042, had 14 people and 84 tonnes of cargo on board, when it returned to Tolmachevo Airport in Novosibirsk shortly after departure.
Upon landing, the plane overshot the runway by around 200 metres with collapsed gear and was severely damaged. Luckily, no injuries were reported.
Witnesses on the ground reported sighting two of the four engines trailing smoke upon departure.
The incident resulted in a total loss of communication with the aircraft, and the loss of transponder signals.
Further, engine shrapnel from the damaged plane fell through the roof of a warehouse near the airport, also without causing any injuries.
Volga Dnepr Antonov An-124 (RA-82042, built 1991) was badly damaged during initial climb from rwy 25 at Novosibirsk (UNNT) due to an uncontained failure of engine #2. The aircraft returned to land but overran rwy 25 where the nosegear broke. https://t.co/OnKB5hgbo2 pic.twitter.com/6mU9hmZ5AV
— JACDEC (@JacdecNew) November 13, 2020
According to The Aviation Herald, the aircraft suffered “substantial damage” to its wings and landing gear following its return to the ground, while its second engine was missing its engine inlet.
“The inboard left wing slats, as well as the left hand fuselage, were penetrated by debris at multiple locations near the wing root,” the Herald added.
A statement released by Volga-Dnepr said, “The plane was operating a charter flight from Seoul to Vienna with a tech stop in Novosibirsk with 84 tons of automotive spare parts. The airline’s technical support crew with essential equipment immediately flew to Novosibirsk to evaluate and rectify any consequences.”
Meanwhile, Igor Aksenov, general director of Volga-Dnepr, commented, “We are cooperating with the aviation authorities and Novosibirsk Airport with respect to this event and will thoroughly analyse the situation accordingly.”
West Siberia’s Transport Prosecution Office has reportedly opened an investigation into the accident.
