Aircraft Crash into Sea Near Makhachkala (CCCP-52010)

Incident Overview and Timeline The aircraft departed Makhachkala Airport at 1829 local time and began climbing over the sea. Less than two minutes after takeoff, air traffic control cleared the crew to climb to 2,100 meters. During this phase, the pilot reported to ATC the presence of clouds over the sea that had not been included in the pre-flight weather bulletin. ## Crash and Aftermath Shortly after the pilot's report, the aircraft nosed down and plunged into the sea approximately 3.5 kilometers offshore. The wreckage was recovered from a depth of 10 meters. All 17 occupants of the aircraft were killed in the accident. ## Official Findings The official investigation determined that the accident occurred at an altitude of 400 meters while the aircraft was climbing. The airplane struck a flock of migratory birds, which hit the windshield and caused it to break instantly, killing both pilots. The investigation noted that many birds were migrating in the region during this period of the year.