No fatalities

Takeoff Accident at Samarkand Airport Due to Blocked Elevators (CCCP-75533)

Samarkand, UzbekistanTakeoff (climb)

On June 5, 1970, an Ilyushin II-18 (registration CCCP-75533) operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Samarkand, Uzbekistan during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Poor flight preparation on part of the flying crew who forgot to follow the pre-departure checklist and failed to unlock the elevators prior to takeoff. 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 Samarkand Airport, the crew discovered blocked elevators. The aircraft overran, lost its undercarriage, and was destroyed by fire. All occupants escaped uninjured.

Accident Details

During the takeoff roll at Samarkand Airport, the captain initiated rotation at a speed of 350 km/h. At that moment, he realized that the elevators were blocked. He elected to unlock the elevators, but the aircraft overran the runway, lost its undercarriage, and came to rest in flames. All occupants escaped uninjured. The aircraft was destroyed by fire.

Investigation

The official investigation determined that the probable cause of the accident was poor flight preparation on the part of the flying crew, who forgot to follow the pre-departure checklist and failed to unlock the elevators prior to takeoff.