Twin-engine aircraft crash near Minsk-2 Airport

58 fatalities • Minsk-2, Belarus • Takeoff (climb)

A twin-engine aircraft crashed in a wooded area shortly after takeoff from Minsk-2 Airport following dual engine failures caused by ice ingestion.

What happened

Shortly after departing runway 13 at Minsk-2 Airport, the aircraft experienced a critical loss of power. Approximately six seconds into the climb, while maintaining a speed of 325 km/h at an altitude of 35 meters, the left engine failed. As the crew continued the ascent to a height of 220 meters, the right engine also lost power.

In response to the dual engine failure, the pilot-in-command attempted an emergency landing. During this maneuver, the aircraft struck trees and crashed into a wooded area situated 10,100 meters from the airport. The impact resulted in a post-crash fire. The wreckage was located by responders approximately three hours and fifteen minutes after the incident.

The accident resulted in 58 fatalities, including three crew members, and 22 injuries.

Findings

Investigations into the crash revealed that the aircraft had been stationary on the apron at Minsk-2 Airport for roughly one week before the flight. Crucially, the aircraft had not undergone deicing procedures prior to takeoff. During the initial climb phase, ice detached from the wings and was ingested by both engines, leading to the subsequent flameouts.

Probable cause

The ingestion of ice into both engines, which had not been deiced after sitting on the apron for a week, caused the dual engine failure.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1985-02-01 Tupolev TU-134 accident near Minsk-2, Belarus?

A twin-engine aircraft crashed in a wooded area shortly after takeoff from Minsk-2 Airport following dual engine failures caused by ice ingestion.

Were there any fatalities in the 1985-02-01 Tupolev TU-134 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 58 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1985-02-01 involved a Tupolev TU-134, registration CCCP-65910, operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines, at Minsk-2, Belarus.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The ingestion of ice into both engines, which had not been deiced after sitting on the apron for a week, caused the dual engine failure.

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