3 fatalities

Three Crew Killed in Crash after Takeoff from Molodezhnaya Ice Station (CCCP-04193)

Molodezhnaya Station, AntarcticaTakeoff (climb)

On January 2, 1979, an Ilyushin II-14 (registration CCCP-04193) operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Molodezhnaya Station, Antarctica during takeoff. 3 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Loss of control during initial climb after the airplane suffered windshear and low level turbulences. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft crashed on icy terrain after takeoff from Molodezhnaya Ice Station, killing three crew members and injuring 11 others. The aircraft was destroyed by impact.

Accident Details

After departing from Molodezhnaya Ice Station, the aircraft climbed to an altitude of approximately 70 to 80 meters. During the initial climb, it lost height and subsequently crashed onto icy terrain. The crash site was located 1,000 meters past the runway end and 500 meters to the left of the runway centerline.

Occupant Casualties and Damage

Three crew members sustained fatal injuries, while 11 other occupants were injured. The aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Official Findings

The probable cause of the accident was determined to be a loss of control during initial climb after the airplane suffered windshear and low level turbulences.