Aircraft crash landing following takeoff instability

No fatalities • Pevek, Russia • Takeoff (climb)

An aircraft experienced a loss of control during rotation, leading to a crash landing past the runway end with no fatalities reported.

What happened

During the takeoff roll, the pilot-in-command initiated rotation once the aircraft reached a speed of 130 km/h. Shortly after liftoff, the aircraft type failed to achieve adequate altitude and entered a right bank at an angle of 20°. Despite efforts by the crew to stabilize the flight, the plane remained uncontrollable. In an attempt to manage the situation, the pilot reduced power to the left engine followed by the right engine. The aircraft subsequently performed a crash landing beyond the end of the runway. While the six crew members involved escaped without injury, the airframe sustained damage that rendered it a total loss.

Findings

Investigations into the accident revealed that the aircraft was operating at an unsafe weight, totaling 12,140 kilograms, which exceeded the maximum takeoff weight by approximately 640 kilograms. This overage occurred because the fuel load was too high during the refueling process prior to departure. Additionally, it was determined that cargo shifted within the cabin during the takeoff phase, striking a lateral door and causing a 22% shift in the center of gravity. The investigation concluded that inadequate flight preparation by the crew contributed to these conditions.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by an overweight takeoff configuration and a significant center of gravity shift due to unsecured cargo.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1963-12-03 Lisunov LI-2 accident near Pevek, Russia?

An aircraft experienced a loss of control during rotation, leading to a crash landing past the runway end with no fatalities reported.

Were there any fatalities in the 1963-12-03 Lisunov LI-2 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1963-12-03 involved a Lisunov LI-2, registration CCCP-16202, operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines, at Pevek, Russia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by an overweight takeoff configuration and a significant center of gravity shift due to unsecured cargo.

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