Fatal crash of cargo aircraft during takeoff from Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky

13 fatalities • Lensk, Russia • Takeoff (climb)

A cargo flight traveling from Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky to Kiev crashed shortly after takeoff, resulting in the deaths of all 13 people on board.

What happened

During a nighttime cargo operation originating in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, an aircraft was performing a flight route that included scheduled stops in Lensk and Omsk. The flight was transporting a cargo of fish along with six crew members and seven passengers, including technical personnel.

Upon departure, the aircraft reached rotation speed of 225 km/h, at which point the crew retracted the landing gear. The aircraft began a climb at a rate of 6 metres per second. After the plane cleared the runway threshold at an altitude of 70 metres, the crew retracted the flaps. Shortly after this maneuver, the aircraft entered an uncontrolled descent.

As the aircraft descended, it struck trees measuring 22 metres in height while traveling at 380 km/h. The impact triggered a massive explosion. The wreckage was located 3,903 metres beyond the end of the runway and 400 metres to the left of the extended centerline. The impact and subsequent fire resulted in the total destruction of the aircraft and 13 fatalities, with no survivors among the occupants.

Findings

Following the retraction of the flaps during the initial climb, the aircraft lost stability and entered a state of uncontrolled descent.

Probable cause

The aircraft entered an uncontrolled descent following the retraction of the flaps during the climb phase.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1991-09-17 Antonov AN-74 accident near Lensk, Russia?

A cargo flight traveling from Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky to Kiev crashed shortly after takeoff, resulting in the deaths of all 13 people on board.

Were there any fatalities in the 1991-09-17 Antonov AN-74 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 13 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1991-09-17 involved a Antonov AN-74, registration CCCP-74002, operated by Antonov Design Bureau, at Lensk, Russia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft entered an uncontrolled descent following the retraction of the flaps during the climb phase.

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