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2 fatalities

Two Crew Members Die After Takeoff Accident at Ufa Airport (CCCP-54783)

Ufa, RussiaTakeoff (climb)

On March 17, 1961, a Lisunov LI-2 (registration CCCP-54783) operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Ufa, Russia during takeoff. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Poor flight preparation on part of the crew who decided to takeoff with a contaminated aircraft. At the time of the accident, the wings, stabs and tail were recovered with an excessive accumulation of snow which reduced drag, limited thrust and performances… This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 7 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A takeoff accident at Ufa Airport resulted in the destruction of the aircraft and serious injuries to all four crew members. The captain and radio operator later died from their injuries.

Accident Sequence

The takeoff from Ufa Airport was conducted in marginal weather conditions. The airplane was unable to achieve sufficient speed. Despite this, the captain decided to rotate. Immediately after liftoff, the aircraft assumed a high angle of attack, causing the base of the tail to strike the ground. The aircraft then bounced several times before crash landing. It overran the runway and came to rest in a garden, located 290 meters past the runway end and 220 meters to the left of the extended centerline. The aircraft was destroyed.

Injuries and Fatalities

All four crew members were seriously injured in the accident. Five hours after the crash, the captain succumbed to his injuries. The radio operator died 38 hours later.

Probable Cause

According to the official investigation, the probable cause of the accident was poor flight preparation on the part of the crew, who decided to take off with a contaminated aircraft. At the time of the accident, the wings, stabilizers, and tail were covered with an excessive accumulation of snow, which reduced drag, limited thrust and performance, and modified the aerodynamic characteristics.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 17 Mar 1961 Lisunov LI-2 accident near Ufa, Russia?

A takeoff accident at Ufa Airport resulted in the destruction of the aircraft and serious injuries to all four crew members. The captain and radio operator later died from their injuries.

Were there any fatalities in the 17 Mar 1961 Lisunov LI-2 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 2 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 17 Mar 1961 involved a Lisunov LI-2, registration CCCP-54783, operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines, at Ufa, Russia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Poor flight preparation on part of the crew who decided to takeoff with a contaminated aircraft. At the time of the accident, the wings, stabs and tail were recovered with an excessive accumulation of snow which reduced drag, limited thrust and performances and modified the aerodynamic.

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