107 fatalities

1967-11-16: Ilyushin II-18 (CCCP-75538) — Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines — Sverdlovsk-Koltsovo, Russia

Sverdlovsk-Koltsovo, RussiaTakeoff (climb)

On November 16, 1967, an Ilyushin II-18 (registration CCCP-75538) operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Sverdlovsk-Koltsovo, Russia during takeoff. 107 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The exact cause of the engine failure could not be determined. However, it was reported that the engine failure occurred at a critical stage of flight, which was considered as a contributing factor. 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 1781239426Data APIEditorial standards

After takeoff from Sverdlovsk-Koltsovo Airport, while climbing at night at about 150 meters, an engine failed. The crew could not feather the propeller, causing high drag, a right bank, and an uncontrolled descent. The aircraft crashed at 440 km/h, disintegrating. All 107 occupants died.

Accident Sequence

The aircraft departed from Sverdlovsk-Koltsovo Airport for a night flight. One minute after rotation, while climbing at an altitude of approximately 150 meters, one engine failed. For reasons that remain unknown, the flight crew was unable to shut down the failed engine and feather its propeller.

The resulting drag caused the airplane to bank to the right. The crew lost control, and the aircraft entered an uncontrolled descent. It struck the ground at a speed of 440 km/h in a field located 2,900 meters past the departure end of the runway.

Aftermath

The impact destroyed the aircraft, and debris was scattered over a distance of 320 meters. None of the 107 people on board survived.

Probable Cause

According to the official investigation, the exact cause of the engine failure could not be determined. However, it was noted that the engine failure occurred at a critical stage of flight, which was considered a contributing factor.