What happened
During a sequence of experimental flights conducted for the Ministry of Aeronautical Industry (MAP), an aircraft experienced a catastrophic structural failure. While the crew was cruising at a speed of 400 km/h and at a relatively low altitude, an attempt to open the cargo hatch occurred. During this process, the locking mechanism of the fastening system attached to the rail became jammed.
As a result of the malfunction, the cargo remained lodged within the hold, causing four parachutes to deploy unexpectedly inside the aircraft. The deployment of these parachutes caused significant damage to the fuselage and led to the separation of the tail section. Following this structural failure, the aircraft lost all control and descended rapidly into the ground. The plane impacted near a wooded area situated approximately one kilometer north of a local village, resulting in a large explosion. There were nine fatalities among the nine occupants, which included four testers and five crew members.
Findings
- The primary factor in the accident was the jamming of the cargo hatch fastening system lock, which prevented proper closure or opening and led to the accidental deployment of parachutes within the fuselage.