What happened
During a scheduled test flight operation traveling from Moscow toward Ashgabat via an intermediate stop at Tashkent Airport, a prototype aircraft experienced a catastrophic loss of control. The flight crew attempted takeoff while the aircraft was loaded at a weight approaching its maximum takeoff weight. Shortly after leaving the runway, the plane entered a nose-up attitude, which subsequently led to a significant reduction in airspeed and altitude.
At an altitude of approximately 4 to 5 meters, the aircraft collided with a concrete wall. The impact caused the plane to stall, resulting in a crash that ignited a fire. The accident resulted in ten fatalities and seven injuries among the crew members on board. The aircraft, which was a 1962 prototype, was completely destroyed during the event.
Findings
- The aircraft was operating at a weight near its maximum takeoff weight during the departure phase.
- The loss of airspeed and altitude following a nose-up pitch led to the collision with the wall.