Accident Details
On takeoff roll from Moscow-Bykovo Airport, the flight engineer mistakenly raised the landing gear while the aircraft was still on the ground. The captain decided to continue the takeoff procedure despite the situation and the fact that the flaps were not extended.
Sequence of Events
The airplane failed to lift off, overran the runway, struck a perimeter fence, crossed a road, collided with buildings, and came to rest in flames. The aircraft was destroyed. All 47 occupants escaped with injuries.
Probable Cause
The official investigation identified the probable cause as wrong takeoff configuration and poor coordination on the part of the crew. It was determined that the crew failed to follow the pre-takeoff checklist and forgot to extend the flaps. Additionally, the flight engineer raised the landing gear prematurely while the aircraft was still on the ground.