Dual engine failure and crash near Verkhnyaya Salda Airport

4 fatalities • Verkhnyaya Salda, Russia • Takeoff (climb)

A cargo flight operating for the Ministry of Aviation Industry crashed shortly after takeoff from Verkhnyaya Salda, resulting in four fatalities.

What happened

During a cargo mission traveling from Verkhnyaya Salda to Omsk via Sverdlovsk, an aircraft experienced a catastrophic loss of power during its initial climb. While the plane was ascending to an altitude between 30 and 40 meters, both engines ceased functioning nearly at the same time. This loss of thrust led to an aerodynamic stall, causing the aircraft to strike overhead power lines. The flight ended in a field situated approximately 1,500 meters beyond the runway threshold, where the plane caught fire and was completely destroyed.

The incident resulted in four fatalities, including three crew members and one passenger, while three others sustained injuries. The flight was being conducted on behalf of the Ministry of Aviation Industry (MAP).

Findings

Official investigations concluded that the primary reason for the dual engine failure was fuel exhaustion. Investigators discovered that the fuel selector had been set to the left rear tank, which contained no usable fuel at the time of the incident.

Several secondary factors were identified as contributing to the accident. It was noted that a passenger was occupying the co-pilot seat in violation of established flight procedures. Additionally, evidence suggested that most members of the crew were under the influence of alcohol during the operation.

Probable cause

The engines failed because the fuel selector was set to an empty tank, leading to total fuel exhaustion.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1954-06-23 Lisunov LI-2 accident near Verkhnyaya Salda, Russia?

A cargo flight operating for the Ministry of Aviation Industry crashed shortly after takeoff from Verkhnyaya Salda, resulting in four fatalities.

Were there any fatalities in the 1954-06-23 Lisunov LI-2 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 4 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1954-06-23 involved a Lisunov LI-2, registration CCCP-I403, operated by MAP - Ministerstvo Aviatsionnoi Promyshlennosti - Minaviaprom, at Verkhnyaya Salda, Russia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The engines failed because the fuel selector was set to an empty tank, leading to total fuel exhaustion.

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