No fatalities

Aircraft Tire Burst and Fire on Landing After Brake Overheating from Taxi and Rejected Takeoff (CCCP-65871)

Simferopol, UkraineLanding (descent or approach)

On June 28, 1981, a Tupolev TU-134 (registration CCCP-65871) operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Simferopol, Ukraine during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A tire burst on landing after overheating during an abandoned takeoff and taxi procedure at Kiev-Borispol Airport. A poor flight preparation and a lack of crew training were considered as contributing factors. 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 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards
Aircraft registered CCCP-65871
Aircraft registered CCCP-65871. Photo: clipperarctic / CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

During takeoff from Kiev-Borispol, a rejected takeoff and subsequent second departure caused brake and tire overheating. On landing at Simferopol, a main gear tire burst, puncturing a fuel tank, causing a fire. The aircraft was evacuated; 29 passengers were injured.

Overview

A flight from Kiev-Borispol Airport to Simferopol Airport experienced brake and tire overheating during an inappropriate taxiing manoeuvre before takeoff. During the takeoff roll at a speed of 135 km/h, the crew was instructed to abandon the takeoff due to lack of clearance. After the rejected takeoff, the crew was later cleared for a second departure, during which the brakes and tires again overheated.

Sequence of Events

Following the second departure, the aircraft proceeded to Simferopol Airport. Upon touchdown, a tire on the right main landing gear exploded. Debris from the burst tire struck the lower part of the right wing and punctured a fuel tank. Fuel spilled and a fire erupted. The crew was able to stop the aircraft on the runway.

Evacuation and Injuries

All 65 occupants were evacuated from the aircraft. Among them, 29 passengers sustained injuries. The aircraft was partially destroyed by the fire.

Probable Cause

According to the official investigation, the probable cause was a tire burst on landing after overheating during an abandoned takeoff and taxi procedure at Kiev-Borispol Airport. A poor flight preparation and a lack of crew training were considered as contributing factors.