What happened
While performing a takeoff roll at Sochi-Adler airport, the aircraft type experienced significant airspeed fluctuations for a period of approximately two to three seconds once it reached 220 km/h. At this stage of the flight, the aircraft was roughly 1,100 meters from the end of the runway. In response to these fluctuations, the pilot elected to terminate the takeoff and began an emergency braking sequence.
During the aborted maneuver, the airspeed climbed further to 250 km/h before the reverse thrust could be engaged. The aircraft was unable to decelerate sufficiently within the available runway length, leading to a runway overrun. During the excursion, the plane lost its landing gear and ultimately struck trees. The incident resulted in 15 injuries among the occupants, which included five crew members. The aircraft was subsequently declared a total loss.
Findings
Investigations revealed that the observed airspeed instability at 220 km/h was caused by a sudden and severe shift in wind speed and direction. Although the takeoff configuration and all necessary calculations had been performed correctly, the pilot's decision to abort the takeoff was deemed premature. Because the aircraft had already surpassed V1 speed, the decision to abandon the takeoff instead of continuing the departure was identified as a critical error.