Engine failure and subsequent crash during takeoff

3 fatalities • Almaty, Kazakhstan • Takeoff (climb)

An aircraft crashed into a hillside following an engine failure during its takeoff roll in adverse weather conditions, resulting in multiple fatalities.

What happened

During the takeoff roll under poor weather conditions, the third engine of the aircraft type failed. This failure occurred approximately 550 meters into the takeoff run on a runway covered in snow. Following the loss of power, the aircraft veered toward the right side of the runway. The plane briefly became airborne with a high angle of attack before the tail impacted a mound of snow measuring 70 centimeters in height.

After this impact, the aircraft lost control and traveled an additional 1,400 meters before crashing into a hillside near a river. The collision resulted in a fire that destroyed the airframe. The accident resulted in 3 fatalities (comprising two passengers and one crew member) and 65 injuries among the remaining occupants.

Findings

Investigations determined that the failure of engine number three was caused by the ingestion of significant amounts of wet snow, which had been kicked up by the right main landing gear during the takeoff roll.

Probable cause

The ingestion of heavy amounts of wet snow into the third engine, displaced by the right main gear, led to engine failure during takeoff.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1966-11-22 Ilyushin II-18 accident near Almaty, Kazakhstan?

An aircraft crashed into a hillside following an engine failure during its takeoff roll in adverse weather conditions, resulting in multiple fatalities.

Were there any fatalities in the 1966-11-22 Ilyushin II-18 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 3 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1966-11-22 involved a Ilyushin II-18, registration CCCP-75665, operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines, at Almaty, Kazakhstan.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The ingestion of heavy amounts of wet snow into the third engine, displaced by the right main gear, led to engine failure during takeoff.

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