58 fatalities

1985-02-01: Tupolev TU-134 (CCCP-65910) — Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines — Minsk-2, Belarus

Minsk-2, BelarusTakeoff (climb)

On February 1, 1985, a Tupolev TU-134 (registration CCCP-65910) operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Minsk-2, Belarus during takeoff. 58 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft remained parked on the apron at Minsk-2 Airport for about a week prior to the flight and has not been deiced prior to takeoff. During initial climb, some ice detached from both wings and entered both engines, causing them to flame out. 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 1781218735Data APIEditorial standards

During initial climb from Minsk-2 Airport, both engines lost power sequentially after ice detached from wings. Emergency landing attempt resulted in collision with trees and post-crash fire, killing 58 and injuring 22.

Accident Overview

An aircraft departed from runway 13 at Minsk-2 Airport. Six seconds after takeoff, while climbing to an altitude of 35 meters at a speed of 325 km/h, the left engine lost power and failed. The crew continued the climb to 220 meters, maintaining a speed of 325 km/h, at which point the right engine also lost power and failed.

The pilot-in-command attempted an emergency landing. However, the aircraft struck trees and crashed in a wooded area located 10,100 meters from the airport, bursting into flames. The wreckage was discovered 3 hours and 15 minutes after the accident.

Casualties and Damage

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

Probable Cause

According to the official investigation, the aircraft remained parked on the apron at Minsk-2 Airport for approximately one week before the flight and was not deiced prior to takeoff. During the initial climb, ice detached from both wings and entered both engines, causing them to flame out.