Pulkovo Aviation Enterprise Flight 9045

Pulkovo Aviation Enterprise

Industry	Aviation
Headquarters	Saint Petersburg , Russia
Products	Air transport services (cargo and passenger)

Template:Infobox aircraft occurrence Pulkovo Aviation Enterprise Flight 9045 was a cargo operation that ended in a fatal crash during its approach to Nalchik. The flight was transporting 12,515 kg (27,591 lb) of coins from the Saint Petersburg Mint and resulted in the loss of all 13 individuals on board.

Aircraft and crew

The aircraft involved was an Antonov An-12BP powered by four Ivchenko AI-20M engines, registered as RA-11118 and operated by Pulkovo Aviation Enterprise.

The flight carried a total of thirteen occupants, comprising six crew members and seven passengers.

Accident

Flight 9045 departed with 12,515 kg (27,591 lb) of coin cargo from Saint Petersburg, destined for a scheduled stop in Volgograd. The journey towards Nalchik proceeded without incident until final approach. Although the air traffic controller relayed weather information to the crew, they did not receive any warning regarding potential icing conditions; consequently, the crew did not engage the aircraft’s Ice protection system during descent.

At approximately 13 kilometres (8.1 mi) from the runway threshold, the flight crew extended the flaps to 15°. Upon reaching 8 kilometres (5.0 mi) out, they intercepted the Instrument landing system glide path and further deployed flaps to 35°. Shortly thereafter, engine thrust was increased to sustain a steady velocity of 260 km/h (140 kn; 160 mph). Despite flying 40 metres (130 ft) above the glide slope, the pilots attempted elevator adjustments from 1° to 5°, but unexpectedly the elevators deflected abruptly to 15°.

At an altitude near 320 metres (1,050 ft), the aircraft suddenly pitched downward between 50 and 55 degrees, initiating a steep descent. Although the flight crew applied full back pressure on the control columns, their efforts were insufficient due to low altitude constraints. The plane ultimately impacted a field and was rapidly consumed by fire.

Investigation

The inquiry determined the accident's causes to include the following factors:

• The airport's failure to update weather information and inform flight crews;
• Delayed communication regarding hazardous weather conditions;
• Inaccurate guidance for conducting the approach as specified in the aircraft flight manual;
• Neglecting to activate the aircraft's anti-icing system;
• Non-compliance with established procedures detailed in the aircraft flight manual.