Event Details
The flight departed and was climbing through stormy weather. Twelve minutes after takeoff, both engines began running intermittently. According to the source, this might have been due to a technical problem involving the sparking plugs exposed to water. The captain elected to return to Baku-Bina Airport, but poor visibility prevented him from sighting the airfield. Five minutes after the onset of the engine issues, the temperature of both engines dropped. Four minutes later, the aircraft became uncontrollable and crashed into the sea off the coast of Baku.
Search and Rescue
Search and rescue operations were launched promptly but were terminated after several days because no trace of the aircraft or its 33 occupants could be found. The wreckage was eventually located on May 13, 1966, at a depth of 23 meters, about 19 kilometers south of Nargen Island.
Investigation Findings
Investigators were unable to conclusively determine the cause of the engine problems.