Belly Landing and Fire at Moscow-Vnukovo (CCCP-75708)

Accident Overview and Immediate Outcome On final approach to Moscow-Vnukovo, the flying crew was not concentrated and failed to lower the landing gear. The aircraft belly landed and slid for a dozen yards before coming to rest in flames. The fire was attributed to a hydraulic leak and an electrical short-circuit in the cargo compartment. Forty people were uninjured, 46 were wounded, and 16 passengers were killed. ## Official Probable Cause and Contributing Factors The official investigation determined that the crew failed to follow the approach checklist and forgot to lower the undercarriage. Contributing factors included several propeller blades detaching while contacting the runway surface, causing severe fuselage damage. A fire erupted following an electrical short-circuit in the cargo hold combined with a hydraulic leak. The investigation also cited a lack of coordination by the cabin crew, who failed to follow safety and evacuation procedures, and a lack of efficiency and assistance from ground firefighters who arrived 15-20 minutes after the accident.