Aircraft crash near Chelyabinsk following engine failure

9 fatalities • Chelyabinsk, Russia • Takeoff (climb)

A cargo flight operating from Chelyabinsk to Perm crashed shortly after takeoff, resulting in the loss of all nine people on board.

What happened

After completing a cargo delivery from Moscow to Chelyabinsk, an Ilyushin Il-76 was being repositioned to Perm. The flight departed from runway 09 at Chelyabinsk Airport carrying various goods. Approximately one minute into the climb, the crew reported smoke inside the cockpit and declared an emergency amidst poor weather conditions.

Following instructions to return to the airport, the aircraft performed a circuit. During the third left-hand turn, while maintaining a speed of 335 km/h and a 15-degree bank, the two engines on the left side of the aircraft failed, causing the propellers to autofeather. Roughly 40 seconds after this failure, the aircraft transitioned into a right turn and began a descent. The aircraft struck an open field approximately 11 km from Chelyabinsk Airport, where it caught fire. The accident occurred eight minutes after the initial takeoff. The impact resulted in 9 fatalities and the total destruction of the aircraft.

Findings

  • The aircraft experienced a simultaneous failure of both left-side engines during a climbing turn.
  • The presence of smoke in the cockpit was reported by the crew prior to the engine failures.

Probable cause

The simultaneous failure of both left engines during a climbing turn led to the loss of control and subsequent crash.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2008-05-26 Antonov AN-12 accident near Chelyabinsk, Russia?

A cargo flight operating from Chelyabinsk to Perm crashed shortly after takeoff, resulting in the loss of all nine people on board.

Were there any fatalities in the 2008-05-26 Antonov AN-12 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 9 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2008-05-26 involved a Antonov AN-12, registration RA-12957, operated by Moskovia Airlines, at Chelyabinsk, Russia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The simultaneous failure of both left engines during a climbing turn led to the loss of control and subsequent crash.

Loading the flight search…