84 fatalities

1962-06-30: Tupolev TU-104 (CCCP-42370) — Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines — Krasnoyarsk, Russia

Krasnoyarsk, RussiaFlight

On June 30, 1962, a Tupolev TU-104 (registration CCCP-42370) operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Krasnoyarsk, Russia in flight. 84 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Several units of the Soviet Army Forces were involved in a training exercise in the Magansk region and shot several ground-to-air missiles. One struck the left side of the airplane, penetrated the fuselage, and caused a hole of 20 cm. 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)Primary reportUpdated 1781244661Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft cruising at 9,000 meters lost control after being struck by a Soviet Army ground-to-air missile during a training exercise. The aircraft disintegrated after a two-minute dive near Voznesenka, killing all 84 occupants.

Incident Narrative

At an altitude of 9,000 meters, the aircraft was in cruise when the copilot succeeded in sending a brief distress call. Shortly thereafter, control was lost and the aircraft entered a steep dive. The descent continued for approximately two minutes and thirty seconds before the aircraft disintegrated upon impacting a wooded area near Voznesenka, located about 28 kilometers east of Krasnoyarsk Airport. The wreckage was totally destroyed, and all 84 occupants were killed. Subsequent medical examination of the bodies revealed evidence of exposure to high temperatures and burns.

Probable Cause

The official investigation determined that several units of the Soviet Army Forces were engaged in a training exercise in the Magansk region, during which they launched multiple ground-to-air missiles. One of these missiles struck the left side of the aircraft, penetrating the fuselage and creating a hole measuring 20 cm in diameter. As a result of this damage, the aircraft became uncontrollable, entered a dive, and ultimately crashed.