On January 13, 1977, a Tupolev TU-104 (registration CCCP-42369) operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Almaty, Kazakhstan during landing or approach. 90 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Failure of a fuel line on the left engine caused the fuel to leak and to ignite while contacting hot air coming from the heating system due to a seal failure. This also resulted in a high carbon monoxide that spread in the cabin and the cockpit. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
During final approach to Almaty Airport runway 23, at 400 meters altitude, the left engine caught fire. An explosion occurred, and the aircraft descended at 150-190 km/h, crashing in flames in a snow-covered field 3,280 meters short of the runway threshold. All 90 occupants were killed.
Accident Summary
On final approach to Almaty Airport runway 23, while at an altitude of 400 meters, the left engine caught fire. Shortly after, an explosion occurred and the aircraft began descending at a speed between 150 and 190 km/h. The airplane subsequently crashed in flames in a snow-covered field located 3,280 meters before the runway threshold. The impact and fire destroyed the aircraft, and all 90 occupants on board were killed.
Investigation and Probable Cause
The official investigation determined that the accident was caused by a failure of a fuel line on the left engine. This failure allowed fuel to leak and come into contact with hot air from the heating system, which had been compromised by a seal failure, leading to ignition. The fire also generated high levels of carbon monoxide that spread into both the cabin and cockpit. Additionally, a fuel pump detached from its mount during the event.
