What happened
During an aerial photography operation, a Tupolev Tu-134 was flying at an altitude of 3,000 metres. The aircraft was operating alongside a Tupolev Tu-22M3, with both flight crews intending to fly in close proximity, specifically at a distance of approximately 10 to 15 metres from one another. During this maneuver, the Tupolev Tu-22M3 collided with the tail section of the Tupolev Tu-134.
Following the impact, the crew of the Tupolev Tu-22M3 managed to perform an emergency landing at Moscow-Zhukovsky Airport. However, the Tupolev Tu-134 lost control and entered an uncontrolled descent. The aircraft eventually crashed into a forested region in Samoylikha, situated roughly 140 km southeast of Moscow. The impact resulted in the total destruction of the aircraft and eight fatalities, accounting for all occupants on board, which included a crew of five and three passengers.
Findings
- The collision occurred while the two aircraft were attempting to maintain a close formation for photography purposes.
- The physical contact between the Tupolev Tu-22M3 and the tail of the Tupolev Tu-134 led to the subsequent loss of control and crash.