Aircraft crash near Tarko-Sale Airport

17 fatalities • Tarko-Sale, Russia • Takeoff (climb)

A flight departing from Tarko-Sale Airport crashed into trees during its initial climb, resulting in 17 fatalities.

What happened

During a nighttime departure from Tarko-Sale Airport, an aircraft entered a sudden descent while climbing. At an altitude of approximately 120 meters and maintaining a speed of 295 km/h, the captain initiated the command to retract the flaps. Following this maneuver, the plane began descending at a rate of nine meters per second and experienced a right-hand roll of 30 degrees.

The aircraft subsequently impacted trees at a velocity of 365 km/h. The wreckage was located 2,889 meters beyond the end of the runway. The impact resulted in the destruction of the aircraft and caused 17 fatalities (comprising four crew members and 13 passengers), while six other individuals on board sustained serious injuries.

Findings

Investigators were unable to establish a definitive cause for the accident. While observers noted the presence of a red light directed toward the aircraft immediately before the impact, official checks confirmed that no other air traffic was operating near the airport during the incident. It remains possible that this light originated from a flare or a fire.

Probable cause

The precise cause of the crash could not be determined, though the presence of an unidentified red light was noted by witnesses.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1977-12-09 Antonov AN-24 accident near Tarko-Sale, Russia?

A flight departing from Tarko-Sale Airport crashed into trees during its initial climb, resulting in 17 fatalities.

Were there any fatalities in the 1977-12-09 Antonov AN-24 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 17 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1977-12-09 involved a Antonov AN-24, registration CCCP-47695, operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines, at Tarko-Sale, Russia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The precise cause of the crash could not be determined, though the presence of an unidentified red light was noted by witnesses.

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