What happened
A cargo flight departing from Irkutsk-2 Airport for Cam Ranh Bay, via Vladivostok, experienced a series of catastrophic engine failures immediately following takeoff. The Il-76 was transporting two Sukhoi SU-27UB fighters and was carrying 15 passengers and eight crew members at the time of the accident.
Three seconds after departing runway 14, the number three engine failed while the aircraft was only five meters above the ground. Shortly thereafter, at an altitude of approximately 22 meters, both engines on the left side (numbers one and two) also ceased functioning. This rapid loss of power caused the aircraft to pitch upward into a high angle of attack. After reaching a peak altitude of roughly 66 meters, the plane rolled to the left and struck several buildings located about 1,600 meters beyond the runway end.
The impact and subsequent fire completely destroyed the aircraft. The accident resulted in 68 fatalities, including all 23 people on board and 45 individuals on the ground. Additionally, approximately 100 people on the ground sustained injuries, some of which were critical.
Findings
Investigators were unable to confirm the precise reason for the initial engine failure. However, it was noted that engines within this specific series had documented issues regarding gas-dynamic stability, particularly when operating at a high angle of attack.