Midair Collision Between Cargo Flight and Training Aircraft at Kiev-Zhuliany (CCCP-L2071)

Incident Overview and Aircraft Involved A cargo flight operating from Sofia to Kiev, which was transporting luggage for the Chinese Athletics delegation, was on approach to Kiev-Zhuliany Airport. During a turn at an altitude of 250 to 300 meters, the aircraft collided with an Aeroflot Ilyushin II-14D, registered as CCCP-L1360. The Ilyushin was conducting a local training mission and had four crew members on board. The source identifies the other aircraft only as L2071, without specifying its type or operator. ## Collision Dynamics and Impact Investigation findings indicated that the right engine propeller of L2071 struck the right wing of the Ilyushin, demonstrating that the two aircraft were facing each other. Following the impact, the Ilyushin lost its right wing and dove into the ground. L2071 lost its right propeller, which penetrated the cockpit and instantly killed both pilots. The aircraft then became uncontrollable and also crashed into the ground. ## Casualties and Ground Impact Both aircraft crashed onto several houses located 4.5 kilometers from the airport. The accident resulted in the deaths of all nine crew members across the two aircraft, as well as six people on the ground. An additional 23 people were injured, with 12 of those injuries classified as serious. ## Official Probable Cause The official investigation determined that the collision was a consequence of a lack of radar coverage, guidance, and assistance from air traffic control at Kiev-Zhuliany Airport. It was reported that the crew of L2071 was not informed about the presence of a second aircraft performing training maneuvers in the vicinity of the airfield at the same altitude.