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24 fatalities

Aircraft Crash Due to Asymmetrical Fueling and Pilot Error (CCCP-42327)

Irkutsk-Intl, RussiaTakeoff (climb)

On February 9, 1976, a Tupolev TU-104 (registration CCCP-42327) operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Irkutsk-Intl, Russia during takeoff. 24 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The loss of control after rotation was caused by a combination of asymmetrical fueling and pilot errors. There was a 1,500 kg fuel difference between the wing tanks, with 1,500 kg more in the right wing tank than the left, causing excessive weight in the… 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.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft crashed after liftoff due to a 70-degree right roll caused by asymmetrical fueling and pilot errors, killing 24 people and injuring 78.

Accident Description and Impact During takeoff, the aircraft's right wing dropped, causing the plane to roll to the right at an angle of 70 degrees. The right wing struck the snow-covered ground 129 meters to the right of the runway. The aircraft then crossed a taxiway and passed behind a TU-154 that had just landed, with some debris striking the TU-154. The aircraft came to rest in flames, broken into three pieces, 232 meters further along. The wreckage was located 180 meters southeast of the runway end. The incident resulted in 24 fatalities, including 15 passengers and nine crew members, and 78 injuries, including a stewardess. Twelve people were unhurt.

Probable cause

The loss of control after rotation was caused by a combination of asymmetrical fueling and pilot errors. There was a 1,500 kg fuel difference between the wing tanks, with 1,500 kg more in the right wing tank than the left, causing excessive weight in the right wing. An excessive angle of attack after rotation and the pilot-in-command's failure to correct the situation for eight seconds led to the 70-degree right roll angle and crash.
Loss of control in flight

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 9 Feb 1976 Tupolev TU-104 accident near Irkutsk-Intl, Russia?

An aircraft crashed after liftoff due to a 70-degree right roll caused by asymmetrical fueling and pilot errors, killing 24 people and injuring 78.

Were there any fatalities in the 9 Feb 1976 Tupolev TU-104 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 24 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 9 Feb 1976 involved a Tupolev TU-104, registration CCCP-42327, operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines, at Irkutsk-Intl, Russia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The loss of control after rotation was caused by a combination of asymmetrical fueling and pilot errors. There was a 1,500 kg fuel difference between the wing tanks, with 1,500 kg more in the right wing tank than the left, causing excessive weight in the right wing. An excessive angle of attack after rotation and the…

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