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Thrust Reverser Deployment Leads to Accident During Takeoff (RA-74017)

Ivanovo-Severny, RussiaTakeoff (climb)

On March 30, 2010, an Antonov AN-74 (registration RA-74017) operated by Polartrans was involved in an aviation accident near Ivanovo-Severny, Russia during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The thrust reverser deployed accidentally on the left engine after rotation due to inappropriate maintenance. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards
Aircraft registered RA-74017
Aircraft registered RA-74017. Photo: Aleksandr Markin / CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Shortly after liftoff at about 3 meters, the left engine thrust reverser deployed. The takeoff was aborted, but the aircraft veered off the runway into a field, injuring all five occupants.

Accident Details

Shortly after liftoff, at a height of approximately 3 meters, the left engine thrust reverser deployed. The takeoff procedure was aborted, but the aircraft veered off the runway and came to rest in a field. The cockpit was partially separated from the fuselage.

All five occupants were injured, with both pilots sustaining serious injuries. The aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

The aircraft was configured in a VIP version and was being used by the FSB's Director Nikolai Patrushev at the time, flying back to Moscow.

Probable Cause

The official investigation determined that the thrust reverser deployed accidentally on the left engine after rotation due to inappropriate maintenance.

Maintenance error

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 30 Mar 2010 Antonov AN-74 accident near Ivanovo-Severny, Russia?

Shortly after liftoff at about 3 meters, the left engine thrust reverser deployed. The takeoff was aborted, but the aircraft veered off the runway into a field, injuring all five occupants.

Were there any fatalities in the 30 Mar 2010 Antonov AN-74 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 30 Mar 2010 involved an Antonov AN-74, registration RA-74017, operated by Polartrans, at Ivanovo-Severny, Russia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The thrust reverser deployed accidentally on the left engine after rotation due to inappropriate maintenance.

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