In-flight explosion leads to fatal crash near Buchalki

44 fatalities • Buchalki, Russia • Flight

A scheduled flight from Moscow to Volgograd crashed near Buchalki following an in-flight explosion, resulting in the loss of all 44 people on board.

What happened

A scheduled flight departing from Moscow-Domodedovo Airport at 22:30 local time was en route to Volgograd when a disaster occurred. The aircraft, carrying 35 passengers and a crew of nine, was performing a regular service at the time of the incident. Approximately 23 minutes after takeoff, while maintaining a cruising altitude of 8,100 metres, the aircraft experienced an in-flight explosion. This event triggered an uncontrolled descent, leading the plane to crash into a field in the vicinity of Buchalki.

Search efforts located the wreckage during the night. There were no survivors, as all 44 occupants of the aircraft were killed in the accident. It has been noted that this event took place simultaneously with an incident involving a Tupolev TU-154 operated by Sibir Airlines.

Findings

The investigation identified that the aircraft underwent an uncontrolled descent following a sudden explosion while in the cruise phase of flight.

Probable cause

An explosion occurred during the cruise phase of flight, causing the aircraft to enter an uncontrolled descent.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2004-08-24 Tupolev TU-134 accident near Buchalki, Russia?

A scheduled flight from Moscow to Volgograd crashed near Buchalki following an in-flight explosion, resulting in the loss of all 44 people on board.

Were there any fatalities in the 2004-08-24 Tupolev TU-134 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 44 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2004-08-24 involved a Tupolev TU-134, registration RA-65080, operated by Volga Aviaexpress, at Buchalki, Russia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

An explosion occurred during the cruise phase of flight, causing the aircraft to enter an uncontrolled descent.

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