11 fatalities

Post-Maintenance Test Flight Crashes After Rudder Control Error (CCCP-42495)

Moscow-Sheremetyevo, RussiaTakeoff (climb)

On October 25, 1962, a Tupolev TU-104 (registration CCCP-42495) operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Moscow-Sheremetyevo, Russia during takeoff. 11 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: It was determined that the accident was the consequence of an error on part of the technicians who failed to reconnected the rudder control system according to the manufacturer procedures. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards

A post-maintenance test flight crashed shortly after takeoff when the aircraft banked sharply left and became uncontrollable, killing all 11 occupants. Investigators determined that technicians had cross-connected the rudder control system.

Accident Overview

The aircraft was conducting a post-maintenance test flight with six technicians and five crew members aboard, totaling 11 occupants. The takeoff on runway 25 was normal, with a roll of 1,550 to 1,600 meters, followed by a standard rotation and initial climb.

Accident Sequence

After traveling approximately 800 meters and reaching an altitude of 175 meters, the aircraft banked left to an angle of 90°. It then went out of control and crashed in a wooded area near the airport, resulting in a huge explosion. The aircraft was totally destroyed, and all 11 occupants were killed.

Investigation Findings

Investigators determined that the accident was the consequence of an error by the technicians who failed to reconnect the rudder control system according to the manufacturer's procedures. The system was cross-connected by mistake, rendering the aircraft uncontrollable.

Probable cause

It was determined that the accident was the consequence of an error on part of the technicians who failed to reconnected the rudder control system according to the manufacturer procedures. It was reported that the system was cross-connected by mistake, causing the aircraft to be uncontrollable.