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33 fatalities

1963-07-13: Tupolev TU-104 (CCCP-42492) — Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines — Irkutsk-Intl, Russia

Irkutsk-Intl, RussiaLanding (descent or approach)

On July 13, 1963, a Tupolev TU-104 (registration CCCP-42492) operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Irkutsk-Intl, Russia during landing or approach. 33 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The sudden loss of altitude on final approach was the consequence of an excessive accumulation of water in the Pitot tubes, which resulted in the modification of several instrument settings and caused the aircraft to adopt an approach configuration not in… 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 1781243798Data APIEditorial standards

On final approach in poor weather with visibility below minima, the aircraft lost altitude, struck approach lights and a hill, and crashed short of runway 29. Two passengers rescued; 33 others killed. Cause attributed to water in Pitot tubes and inaccurate weather information.

Accident Sequence

During final approach to Irkutsk-Intl Airport, the crew operated in poor weather conditions with visibility below established minima. The aircraft lost altitude and struck approach lights located 2,450 meters short of the runway 29 threshold. It then struck a hill, traveled a distance of 570 meters, and eventually crashed in flames 1,880 meters short of the runway.

Aircraft Damage

The aircraft was destroyed by impact forces and a subsequent post-crash fire.

Casualties

Two passengers were rescued from the accident. The remaining 33 occupants were killed, including the spouse of the Ambassador of Albania in China.

Official Findings

The investigation determined that the sudden loss of altitude on final approach resulted from an excessive accumulation of water in the Pitot tubes. This caused modification of several instrument settings, leading the aircraft to adopt an approach configuration not in accordance with published procedures.

Additionally, weather information related to Irkutsk Airport that was transmitted to the crew was inaccurate and failed to reflect actual conditions. The person responsible for the weather forecast bulletin at the departure airport did not double-check the information and transmitted inaccurate data. At the time of the accident, weather conditions at Irkutsk Airport were poor with visibility below minima. Despite this situation, air traffic control at Irkutsk-Magan Airport cleared the crew to land and did not instruct them to divert to another airport.

Probable cause

The sudden loss of altitude on final approach was the consequence of an excessive accumulation of water in the Pitot tubes, which resulted in the modification of several instrument settings and caused the aircraft to adopt an approach configuration not in accordance with the published procedures. Inaccurate weather information transmitted to the crew and failure of the weather forecast personnel to double-check data contributed to the situation. ATC cleared the crew to land despite poor weather and visibility below minima, without instructing them to divert.

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