No fatalities

Aircraft Crash Lands After Overweight Takeoff and Cargo Shift (CCCP-16202)

Pevek, RussiaTakeoff (climb)

On December 3, 1963, a Lisunov LI-2 (registration CCCP-16202) operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Pevek, Russia during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Poor flight preparation on part of the crew. Prior to departure, the airplane was refuelled but the fuel quantity was too high and the total weight of the aircraft at takeoff was 12,140 kilos, about 640 kilos above the MTOW. 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 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards

During takeoff, the aircraft rotated at 130 km/h, climbed briefly, banked right, and became unstable before crash landing beyond the runway. All six crew members were uninjured; the aircraft was damaged beyond repair. Official findings cited poor flight preparation, excess weight, and a cargo shift.

Takeoff and Loss of Control

During the takeoff roll, the pilot-in-command initiated rotation when the aircraft reached 130 km/h. The aircraft climbed only a few meters before it failed to gain sufficient height. It then banked right to an angle of 20°. The crew attempted to regain control, but the aircraft became completely unstable. The pilot reduced power on the left engine, then on the right engine, as the aircraft crash landed beyond the end of the runway.

Damage and Injuries

The aircraft sustained substantial damage and was deemed beyond repair. All six crew members on board were uninjured.

Official Findings

The probable cause was determined to be poor flight preparation on the part of the crew. Prior to departure, the aircraft was refueled, but the fuel quantity was too high. The total takeoff weight was 12,140 kilograms, approximately 640 kilograms above the maximum takeoff weight (MTOW). Additionally, it was found that cargo shifted in the cabin at liftoff and struck the lateral door, altering the center of gravity by 22% and rendering the aircraft uncontrollable.