7 fatalities

1979-11-23: Ilyushin II-76 (CCCP-86714) — Soviet Air Force - Voyenno-vozdushnye sily CCCP — Vitebsk, Belarus

Vitebsk, BelarusLanding (descent or approach)

On November 23, 1979, an Ilyushin II-76 (registration CCCP-86714) operated by Soviet Air Force - Voyenno-vozdushnye sily CCCP was involved in an aviation accident near Vitebsk, Belarus during landing or approach. 7 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A cog-wheel on the left flap broke on approach, causing an uncommanded retraction of the flap. Due to an asymmetric flaps deployment, control was lost. 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 1781224573Data APIEditorial standards

During a local training flight at Vitebsk, a broken cog-wheel caused an uncommanded left flap retraction, leading to loss of control and a crash. All seven crew members were killed.

Background

A local training flight was being conducted at Vitebsk. The aircraft was crewed by seven personnel.

Accident Description

On approach to the airport, a technical problem occurred involving the left flap. The flap retracted without command. Subsequently, the aircraft banked to the left and then dove into the ground, crashing approximately 12 kilometers from the airport. All seven crew members on board were killed.

Probable Cause

Official findings determined that a cog-wheel on the left flap broke during approach, causing an uncommanded retraction of the flap. Due to the resulting asymmetric flaps deployment, control of the aircraft was lost.