What happened
During a flight transitioning from Engels AFB to Privolzhskiy AFB near Astrakhan, an aircraft carrying six crew members experienced a series of critical mechanical failures. While the flight was maintaining a cruising altitude of 4,800 metres, the number 2 and number 4 engines both ceased functioning at the same time.
Following the loss of these two engines, the crew received clearance to divert to Volgograd-Gumrak Airport and initiated an emergency descent. However, as the aircraft descended to 1,700 metres, the number 1 engine also failed. During the attempt to perform an emergency landing, the aircraft struck trees and subsequently caught fire. The accident resulted in six fatalities.
Findings
- The aircraft experienced a simultaneous failure of two engines during the cruise phase.
- A subsequent failure of a third engine occurred during the descent.
- The impact with terrain and subsequent fire occurred during the landing attempt.