What happened
During the initial stages of departure from Moscow-Bykovo Airport, an aircraft experienced a critical failure to lift off the runway. While the plane was still performing its takeoff roll, the flight engineer incorrectly retracted the landing gear. Additionally, the aircraft's flaps had not been extended for departure. Despite these configuration errors, the captain proceeded with the takeoff attempt.
As the aircraft failed to achieve flight, it overran the end of the runway and exited the airfield perimeter. The path of the aircraft took it through a perimeter fence and across a public road, eventually striking several buildings. The impact resulted in the aircraft catching fire and being completely destroyed. While there were 47 occupants on board, all individuals managed to evacuate the wreckage; however, several people sustained injuries during the incident.
Findings
Investigations into the accident identified that the primary reason for the excursion was an incorrect takeoff configuration combined with a lack of coordination among the crew members. The investigation concluded that the crew failed to adhere to standard pre-takeoff checklist procedures, specifically neglecting to extend the flaps. Furthermore, the premature retraction of the landing gear by the flight engineer was a significant contributing factor to the loss of control during the takeoff roll.