Cargo Flight Crash in Foggy Conditions (RA-76588)

Flight Details and Accident Sequence The aircraft was operating a cargo flight from Moscow to Taiyuan, China, with intermediate stops in Norilsk and Bratsk. It carried two passengers, eight crew members, and 40.2 tons of construction materials. During the takeoff, foggy conditions reduced horizontal visibility to 500-900 meters and vertical visibility to an estimated 70-80 meters. After a takeoff roll of approximately 2,700 meters, the captain initiated rotation at 290 km/h, which was about 25 km/h above the recommended speed. At a height of about 10 meters, the pilot-in-command began a 7-degree right turn to compensate for a leftward deviation during the takeoff roll. At 23-24 meters, the stabilizers' position changed from -5.4° to -3.9°, and the aircraft began to lose altitude. One second before impact, the elevators were at an 11-12° pitch angle. At 20-21 meters, both right engines (number 3 and 4) collided with trees 930 meters from the runway end and 47 meters to the right of its extended centerline. Upon impact, both engines were torn off, and the aircraft crashed into a wooded area 1,460 meters past the runway end, bursting into flames. The aircraft was totally destroyed, and all 10 occupants were killed.