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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)Source recordUpdated 2026-07-04Data 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.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 5 Jun 1970 Ilyushin II-18 accident near Samarkand, Uzbekistan?

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.

Were there any fatalities in the 5 Jun 1970 Ilyushin II-18 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 5 Jun 1970 involved an Ilyushin II-18, registration CCCP-75533, operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines, at Samarkand, Uzbekistan.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

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.

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