No fatalities

Landing with Locked Wheel Brakes Leads to Tire Explosions and Fire (CCCP-65839)

Ufa, RussiaLanding (descent or approach)

On May 19, 1979, a Tupolev TU-134 (registration CCCP-65839) operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Ufa, Russia during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Poor approach planning on part of the flying crew who failed to follow the approach checklist and completed the landing procedure with the wheel brakes locked. 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

During a night approach, the flying crew landed with wheel brakes locked, causing all tires to explode, left main gear failure, wing strike, fuel leak, and fire. All 89 occupants survived; 10 injured. Aircraft destroyed.

Incident Overview

The aircraft completed its final approach at night. The crew had left the wheel brakes engaged during the approach. Upon touchdown, all tires burst simultaneously. The left main landing gear detached from the aircraft, causing the left wing to strike the ground. The impact punctured a fuel tank, and a fire erupted. The aircraft went out of control, veered to the right off the runway, and came to a stop fully engulfed in flames.

Occupants and Injuries

All 89 occupants on board survived the accident. Ten individuals sustained injuries, including two crew members. No fatalities occurred.

Aircraft Damage

The aircraft was destroyed by the fire. The extent of thermal damage was total.

Probable Cause

The official investigation determined that the probable cause was poor approach planning on part of the flying crew who failed to follow the approach checklist and completed the landing procedure with the wheel brakes locked.