No fatalities

Aircraft Overruns Runway After Rejected Takeoff at Sochi-Adler (CCCP-75414)

Sochi-Adler, RussiaTakeoff (climb)

On May 10, 1979, an Ilyushin II-18 (registration CCCP-75414) operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Sochi-Adler, Russia during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The decision of the captain to abandon the takeoff procedure was hasty as the takeoff configuration and all takeoff calculation were correct. 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 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards

During takeoff at Sochi-Adler, the captain aborted at 220 km/h due to speed fluctuation, but the aircraft overran the runway, losing its undercarriage and colliding with trees, injuring 15 occupants.

Incident Overview

An aircraft experienced a rejected takeoff during its departure roll at Sochi-Adler Airport. The event occurred when the airplane was at a speed of 220 km/h, approximately 1,100 meters from the end of the runway. A fluctuation in speed lasting 2-3 seconds prompted the captain to decide to abandon the takeoff procedure and initiate emergency braking. Despite the application of brakes and later reverse thrust, the airplane's speed increased to 250 km/h before the reverse thrust became effective. The aircraft was unable to stop within the remaining runway distance, resulting in an overrun. During the overrun, the aircraft lost its undercarriage and eventually collided with trees. The accident resulted in injuries to 15 occupants, including five crew members. The aircraft was subsequently written off.

Probable Cause

According to the official investigation, the probable cause of the accident was the captain's decision to reject the takeoff, which was considered hasty. The investigation found that the takeoff configuration and all takeoff calculations were correct. The speed fluctuation at 220 km/h was determined to be a consequence of a sudden change in wind direction and speed. At the time of the rejected takeoff, the aircraft was already above V1, and the takeoff should have been continued.