Aircraft accident during takeoff on icy runway

No fatalities • Severny Island, Russia • Takeoff (climb)

An aircraft experienced a loss of control during its takeoff roll on an icy runway, resulting in a stall and crash with no injuries to the crew.

What happened

While performing a takeoff roll on a runway measuring 750 meters in length, the aircraft encountered difficult surface conditions characterized by ice. As the plane reached a speed between 70 and 80 km/h, the left ski made contact with an uneven patch on the ground. This impact caused the aircraft type to bounce, reaching an altitude of approximately 1.5 to 2 meters before entering a stall. The subsequent crash occurred 300 meters further down the runway. Although the aircraft sustained damage beyond repair, all six crew members escaped the incident without injury.

Findings

Investigations into the accident identified that the crew utilized an improper takeoff configuration by attempting to depart at an inadequate speed. It was determined that the captain should have aborted the takeoff procedure given the environmental conditions. Several contributing elements were noted, including the uneven nature of the runway surface and significantly reduced braking effectiveness caused by heavy salting of the ground.

Probable cause

The crew attempted a takeoff at an insufficient speed using an incorrect configuration for the existing surface conditions.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1959-04-29 Lisunov LI-2 accident near Severny Island, Russia?

An aircraft experienced a loss of control during its takeoff roll on an icy runway, resulting in a stall and crash with no injuries to the crew.

Were there any fatalities in the 1959-04-29 Lisunov LI-2 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1959-04-29 involved a Lisunov LI-2, registration CCCP-04209, operated by Polyarnaya Aviatsiya, at Severny Island, Russia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The crew attempted a takeoff at an insufficient speed using an incorrect configuration for the existing surface conditions.

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