A small plane operated by Polar Airlines in Yakutsk mistakenly touched down on a frozen river instead of the intended runway near the Russian city of Yakutsk, known for its extremely cold temperatures. The pilot, erroneously identifying the frozen Kolyma River as a suitable landing strip, inadvertently placed the 30 passengers and four crew members in jeopardy.

Fortunately, no injuries or casualties occurred in the incident. All 34 individuals were able to safely exit the aircraft and walk across the frozen river to reach a secure area. Despite the stranded plane becoming stuck in the snow, it did not sustain significant damage.

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Investigators attribute the incident to the pilot’s misjudgment in identifying the frozen river as a suitable landing location. This occurrence serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by pilots, particularly in regions with harsh weather conditions.

Aviation authorities and Polar Airlines are expected to conduct a thorough investigation to comprehend the factors contributing to the pilot’s confusion and to implement measures preventing similar incidents in the future. The favorable outcome can be attributed to the passengers’ prompt response and the relatively minor damage to the aircraft during the unconventional landing on the frozen river.