Re FlyDubai B738 crash at Rostov (Russia)
ATC communications leading up to the fatal crash of FlyDubai Flight 981 in Rostov-on-Don.
Summary
FlyDubai Flight 981 spent over two hours in a holding pattern due to severe weather conditions at Rostov-on-Don Airport. This transcript captures the pilots' repeated inquiries about weather improvements and their final approach before initiating a second go-around that resulted in a fatal crash. The recording ends just moments before the aircraft entered a steep, uncontrollable dive into the runway.
Analysis
On March 19, 2016, FlyDubai Flight 981, a Boeing 737-800, was attempting to land at Rostov-on-Don, Russia, in extreme weather conditions. The transcript highlights the crew's persistent concern regarding the weather, specifically asking for updates on visibility, cloud base, and wind shear. The controller reports winds gusting up to 18 meters per second (approximately 35 knots) and mentions severe turbulence on final, painting a picture of a very challenging environment for the crew.
The recording captures the professional but weary tone of the pilots, who had been holding for two hours following an earlier aborted landing attempt. A notable technical aspect is the mention of QNH and QFE; Russian controllers frequently provide both the pressure at sea level (QNH) and the pressure at the airport elevation (QFE), which requires careful attention from international crews to avoid altimetry errors. The pilot also proactively states their intention to climb to flight level 80 in the event of a go-around, showing they were mentally prepared for the possibility of another missed approach.
The transcript concludes with the pilot calmly stating, "Going around, FlyDubai 981." While the radio exchange sounds routine, what followed was a catastrophe. During this second go-around, the pilot flying pushed the nose down while simultaneously applying nose-down stabilizer trim, likely due to a somatogravic illusion—a sensory deception where the body's vestibular system mistakes rapid acceleration for a steep climb. This led the crew to push the nose down into a fatal dive.
The investigation into the crash of FZ981 focused heavily on pilot fatigue, spatial disorientation, and the specific handling characteristics of the Boeing 737 during a go-around with high thrust and low weight. All 62 people on board perished. This recording is a chilling example of how a seemingly controlled and professional cockpit environment can transition into a terminal situation in a matter of seconds due to human factors in extreme environments.