| Flight 514 was over Usinsk,[1][3] at an altitude of 10600 m (FL 347) when the first signs of a problem was noticed at about 06:59 local time (02:59 UTC). Later, a complete loss of electrical systems occurred, which resulted in the loss of navigational systems and the loss of electric fuel pumps,[1][2] leaving the aircraft with just 3300 kilograms (7300 lb) of useable fuel,[3] enough for just 30 minutes flight.[4] The loss of the electrically driven pumps prevented transfer of fuel from the wing tanks to the main tank in the fuselage.[5] At about 07:47, the emergency authorities at Izhma were informed that the aircraft may be making an emergency landing at the airport there. Izhma Airport is a former airfield that is now used only for helicopters,[2] and the 1325-metre-long (4347 ft) runway is closed and abandoned.[2][5] The airfield, having closed to aircraft in 2003,[4] was not marked on then-current maps.[6] The passengers were moved to the front of the aircraft. The electrical failure also caused a loss of the radio system, flaps and slats.[3] Two attempts to land were aborted. On the third attempt,[5] a successful emergency landing was made at Izhma at 07:55 local time,[2] but the aircraft overran the runway by 160 metres (520 ft),[3] and sustained minimal damage in the process.[1] The aircraft was landed at a speed of 350 to 380 kilometres per hour (190 to 210 kn) due to the lack of flaps. Although the flaps are powered by hydraulics, the switches operating them are ... |
