History of the Flight
The aircraft arrived at Stansted Airport at 1505 hrs after a flight from Tashkent, Uzbekistan. The flight engineer noted in the Technical Log that the commander's Attitude Director Indicator (ADI) was unreliable in roll. The inbound crew did not meet the outbound crew. During the turnaround, cargo was loaded. The outbound crew, consisting of the commander, first officer, and flight engineer, along with a ground engineer, prepared for departure to Milan Malpensa. After delays with a tug, the aircraft was marshalled onto the taxiway and cleared to taxi. At 1836 hrs, the crew received take-off clearance.
Weather Conditions
At the time, a strong southwesterly airstream affected the area, with a warm front moving east. METAR reports showed surface wind around 190°/16-17 kt, visibility 3,100-4,200 metres in mist, low cloud layers. Some pilots in medium aircraft experienced turbulence.
Accident Sequence
The take-off was considered normal by the tower controller. The aircraft climbed on runway heading, reaching approximately 2,460 feet amsl. It then turned left. Radar returns from 1837.46 to 1838.36 hrs showed a descent rate exceeding 5,000 ft/min, with ground speed increasing. The last radar return indicated 1,060 ft amsl. The CVR recording ended at the time of crash. The aircraft struck the ground near Hatfield Forest, on a track of about 105° magnetic. Impact attitude was approximately 40° nose down and 90° left bank, speed between 250-300 kt. The aircraft was structurally complete at impact. A large fireball ensued, and debris was found on the airfield.
Wreckage and Flight Data
The aircraft was destroyed. All four engines were developing high power at impact. Landing gear was retracted; flaps were in the take-off position (10°). The FDR showed that after take-off, the aircraft climbed and then began a left turn. Pitch attitude decreased continuously until the end of data. The final recorded data showed pitch 38° nose down, heading 126°M. All engines were at take-off power (1.4 EPR) throughout. The CVR contained crew conversation in Korean and English, but no departure brief was recorded.