52 fatalities

1995-12-05: Tupolev TU-134 (4K-65703) — Azerbaijan Airlines - AZAL Airlines — Nakhchivan, Azerbaijan

Nakhchivan, AzerbaijanTakeoff (climb)

On December 5, 1995, a Tupolev TU-134 (registration 4K-65703) operated by Azerbaijan Airlines - AZAL Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Nakhchivan, Azerbaijan during takeoff. 52 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The left engine failed due to disintegration of the 2nd and 3rd compressor stages from non-compliant maintenance (38 missing screws not repaired 30 flying hours prior). This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 3 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781207494Data APIEditorial standards

During initial climb, the left engine failed due to compressor disintegration. The flight engineer mistakenly shut down the right engine. The captain attempted an emergency landing but crashed in a field. 52 occupants died, 30 were rescued.

Accident Sequence

The aircraft experienced a left engine failure during initial climb at approximately 60 meters above ground level while traveling at 317 km/h. The copilot countered the resulting left bank. Five seconds later, the flight engineer informed the crew that the right engine had also failed. The captain assumed control and the aircraft climbed to 197 meters, at which point the speed decreased to 290 km/h. The captain decided to perform an emergency landing but was forced to execute a sharp right turn to avoid a building. During this maneuver, the aircraft rolled 37° to the right and established a descent rate of 1,960 feet per minute. The aircraft subsequently crashed in an open field located 3,850 meters from the airport, disintegrating on impact. Thirty occupants were rescued, while 52 others, including two crew members, were killed.

Probable Cause

Official findings determined that the left engine failed during initial climb due to the disintegration of the 2nd and 3rd stage of the compressor. Investigation revealed non-compliant maintenance: 38 screws were missing on the main compressor, a condition that was not corrected during the last maintenance inspection conducted 30 flying hours prior to the accident. Additionally, as a result of a lack of crew coordination and a faulty flight deck ergonomics, the flight engineer mistakenly shut down the right engine, which was operating correctly.