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Engine Fire and Explosion Forces Emergency Landing in Kharkiv Wasteland (CCCP-69336)

Kharkiv, UkraineLanding (descent or approach)

On June 15, 1983, an Antonov AN-8 (registration CCCP-69336) operated by MOM - Ministerstvo Obshego Mashinostroenia was involved in an aviation accident near Kharkiv, Ukraine during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Fire and explosion of the left engine following the rupture of a fuel line after takeoff, which led the fuel to leak in the engine compartment and to catch fire while contacting high temperature elements. 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

Following a left engine fire after takeoff from Kharkiv, the crew diverted toward Sokolnikovo Airfield. The engine exploded on approach, prompting an emergency belly landing in a wasteland. All seven occupants escaped uninjured; the aircraft was partially destroyed by fire.

Incident Summary

After departing from Kharkiv, the flight crew informed air traffic control that the left engine had caught fire. ATC cleared the aircraft to divert to the Sokolnikovo Airfield near Factory #135, located close to Kharkiv. During the approach, the left engine exploded. The captain then decided to attempt an emergency landing in a wasteland adjacent to the airport.

Emergency Landing and Evacuation

The aircraft performed a belly landing on the wasteland, sliding for several dozen meters before coming to rest engulfed in flames. All seven occupants evacuated the aircraft without injury. The aircraft sustained partial destruction from the fire.

Damage

The aircraft was partially destroyed by the fire that followed the landing.

Probable Cause

The official investigation determined the probable cause to be a fire and explosion of the left engine following the rupture of a fuel line after takeoff. The rupture allowed fuel to leak into the engine compartment, where it ignited upon contact with high-temperature elements.

In-flight fire & smoke

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 15 Jun 1983 Antonov AN-8 accident near Kharkiv, Ukraine?

Following a left engine fire after takeoff from Kharkiv, the crew diverted toward Sokolnikovo Airfield. The engine exploded on approach, prompting an emergency belly landing in a wasteland. All seven occupants escaped uninjured; the aircraft was partially destroyed by fire.

Were there any fatalities in the 15 Jun 1983 Antonov AN-8 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 15 Jun 1983 involved an Antonov AN-8, registration CCCP-69336, operated by MOM - Ministerstvo Obshego Mashinostroenia, at Kharkiv, Ukraine.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Fire and explosion of the left engine following the rupture of a fuel line after takeoff, which led the fuel to leak in the engine compartment and to catch fire while contacting high temperature elements.

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