38 fatalities

1985-01-19: Ilyushin II-18 (CU-T899) — Cubana de Aviación — Havana-José Martí (Rancho Boyeros), Cuba

Havana-José Martí (Rancho Boyeros), CubaTakeoff (climb)

On January 19, 1985, an Ilyushin II-18 (registration CU-T899) operated by Cubana de Aviación was involved in an aviation accident near Havana-José Martí (Rancho Boyeros), Cuba during takeoff. 38 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The exact cause of the accident could not be determined with certainty. However, it is believed that the loss of control was the consequence of the failure of the artificial horizontal. 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 1781218793Data APIEditorial standards

Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft entered a right turn, banked 30°, then dove and crashed. All 38 occupants were killed. Investigation cited possible artificial horizontal failure or cargo shift.

Accident

On a date not specified in the report, an aircraft departed from Havana-Jose Marti-Rancho Boyeros Airport. Shortly after takeoff, while climbing, the flight crew executed a right turn. During this maneuver, the airplane banked to an angle of 30 degrees. It then entered a dive and subsequently crashed. The impact destroyed the aircraft, and all 38 individuals on board lost their lives.

Investigation

The official investigation into the accident was conducted. According to the findings, the exact cause of the accident could not be determined with certainty. However, investigators believe that the loss of control was likely a consequence of a failure of the artificial horizontal instrument. Additionally, the possibility was raised that cargo inside the aircraft may have shifted during the right turn. Such a shift could have modified the aircraft's center of gravity (CofG), making it uncontrollable.

Probable Cause

The probable cause, as stated in the official report, is that the precise reason for the accident remains unknown. It is theorized that either an artificial horizontal failure or a cargo shift leading to an altered center of gravity caused the loss of control.