3 fatalities

1974-03-22: Lisunov LI-2 (CCCP-73960) — Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines — Kirov, Russia

Kirov, RussiaTakeoff (climb)

On March 22, 1974, a Lisunov LI-2 (registration CCCP-73960) operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Kirov, Russia during takeoff. 3 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The left engine malfunction was caused by the failure of the 9th cylinder valve. Wrong reaction from the crew caused the speed to drop too low, causing the aircraft to stall and crash. 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 1781231625Data APIEditorial standards

Aircraft crashed after left engine failed at 10m; climbed to 50m, banked 80°, stalled. All three crew killed, six passengers injured. Investigation cites valve failure, crew reaction, and organizational factors.

Accident Sequence

The accident occurred during takeoff. After a takeoff distance of 430 meters completed in 26 seconds, the pilot-in-command initiated rotation at a speed of 120 km/h. The airplane continued to climb when, at a height of 10 meters, the left engine failed. The airplane continued to climb until it reached a height of 50 meters, at which point it banked left to an angle of 80 degrees, then stalled and crashed at a speed of 170 km/h not far from the runway end.

Injuries and Damage

All six passengers sustained injuries, while all three crew members were killed.

Probable Cause

The investigation determined that the left engine malfunction was caused by the failure of the 9th cylinder valve. Wrong reaction from the crew caused the speed to drop too low, resulting in the aircraft stalling and crashing. Contributing factors included poor flight organization, poor crew training supervision, and the captain's decision to take off without a flight engineer.