What happened
During a nighttime training mission involving formation flying, two Myasichchev 3M aircraft were operating in close proximity. While the aircraft were flying in formation, the trailing plane drifted from its assigned position, leading to a mid-air collision at an altitude of approximately 11,600 metres.
Following the impact, the aircraft lost control and descended into the terrain near the river Kuoluma and the Bary-Bala and Ulakhan-Chagary rivulets, located in the vicinity of Ust'-Maya, Yakutia. The accident resulted in 10 fatalities among the total crew involved across both airframes. Of the 16 crew members present during the flight, 6 individuals successfully utilized ejection seats to escape the wreckage before impact.
Findings
- The collision was triggered when the trailing aircraft deviated from its formation position.