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17 fatalities

Night Takeoff Accident at Tarko-Sale Airport (CCCP-47695)

Tarko-Sale, RussiaTakeoff (climb)

On December 9, 1977, an Antonov AN-24 (registration CCCP-47695) operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Tarko-Sale, Russia during takeoff. 17 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The exact cause of the accident could not be determined with certainty. Eyewitnesses reported a red light facing the aircraft just prior to the accident, but it was confirmed there was no other traffic in the vicinity of the airport at the time. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 6 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft crashed shortly after a night takeoff from Tarko-Sale Airport, killing 17 people and injuring six. The exact cause was not determined, though witnesses reported a red light before impact.

Accident Overview and Sequence of Events The incident occurred during a night departure from Tarko-Sale Airport. While the aircraft was climbing at an altitude of 120 meters and a speed of 295 km/h, the captain requested that the flaps be retracted. At that moment, the airplane began to descend at a rate of nine meters per second. The aircraft then rolled to the right by an angle of 30 degrees and struck trees at a speed of 365 km/h. The crash site was located 2,889 meters past the end of the runway, and the aircraft was destroyed in the impact. ## Casualties and Damage The accident resulted in the deaths of four crew members and 13 passengers. In addition, six other occupants sustained serious injuries. The aircraft was completely destroyed. ## Investigation and Probable Cause The official investigation was unable to determine the exact cause of the accident with certainty. Eyewitnesses reported seeing a red light facing the aircraft just prior to the crash. However, it was confirmed that there was no other traffic in the vicinity of the airport at the time. Investigators noted that the red light may have been a fire or a possible flare.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 9 Dec 1977 Antonov AN-24 accident near Tarko-Sale, Russia?

An aircraft crashed shortly after a night takeoff from Tarko-Sale Airport, killing 17 people and injuring six. The exact cause was not determined, though witnesses reported a red light before impact.

Were there any fatalities in the 9 Dec 1977 Antonov AN-24 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 17 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 9 Dec 1977 involved an 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 exact cause of the accident could not be determined with certainty. Eyewitnesses reported a red light facing the aircraft just prior to the accident, but it was confirmed there was no other traffic in the vicinity of the airport at the time. It is possible that the red light may be a fire or a possible flare.

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