What happened
While performing a takeoff roll at the Simferopol-Gvardeyskoye Air Force Base, the aircraft's nose gear lifted as the captain initiated the rotation phase. During this specific moment, the left engine suffered an explosion. In response to the engine failure, the pilot attempted to abort the takeoff by initiating emergency braking procedures.
Before the aircraft could come to a complete stop, the nose gear descended back onto the runway. The aircraft was unable to halt within the available runway length, leading to a runway overrun. During the excursion, the aircraft lost its undercarriage and subsequently caught fire. The resulting post-crash fire led to the total destruction of the aircraft type.
All 28 occupants were successfully rescued from the wreckage. Among the passengers, 3 individuals sustained minor injuries. The flight was carrying high-ranking military personnel, including a Russian Navy Admiral, returning to Moscow following an inspection of local military installations.
Findings
- The primary factor in the accident was the explosion of the left engine during the rotation phase of takeoff.