Incident Details
On a takeoff roll from Simferopol-Gvardeyskoye Air Force Base, the captain initiated rotation and the nose gear lifted off the runway. At that moment, the left engine exploded. The captain decided to abort the takeoff and commenced emergency braking. Within a few seconds, the nose landing gear contacted the runway again, but the aircraft was unable to stop within the remaining distance. It overran the runway, lost its undercarriage, and came to rest while bursting into flames.
Occupants and Injuries
All 28 occupants were rescued. Among them, three sustained minor injuries. The aircraft was completely destroyed by the post-crash fire.
Notable Passenger
On board was Admiral Vladimir Masorin of the Russian Navy, who was returning to Moscow after a general inspection of military installations in Simferopol.
The official investigation determined the probable cause to be a failure and explosion of the left engine at takeoff following a bird strike.