No fatalities

Training Flight Ends in Crash After Slat Issue and Engine Power Loss (CCCP-85030)

Moscow-Vnukovo, RussiaTakeoff (climb)

On May 7, 1973, a Tupolev TU-154 (registration CCCP-85030) operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Moscow-Vnukovo, Russia during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A technical problem occurred with the slats which deployed in an inappropriate angle after rotation. Nevertheless, the cause of the power loss on two engines remains unknown. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards

During a training mission at Vnukovo Airport, an aircraft became unstable after liftoff and lost power on two engines, leading to a crash into wooded terrain. All four occupants sustained minor injuries, and the aircraft was destroyed.

Incident Overview

A training flight at Vnukovo Airport ended in a crash after the aircraft encountered control difficulties and engine power loss shortly after takeoff. The crew had completed four successful touch-and-go maneuvers before initiating another takeoff.

Sequence of Events

Immediately after liftoff, at an altitude of approximately 20 meters, the aircraft experienced severe vibrations and became unstable. As the climb continued, at around 70 meters, both engine number 1 and engine number 3 simultaneously lost power. The captain then decided to perform an emergency landing.

During the landing attempt, the aircraft struck tree tops and crashed in flames in a wooded area. All four occupants sustained minor injuries, while the aircraft was destroyed.

Official Findings

The investigation identified a technical problem with the slats, which deployed at an inappropriate angle after rotation. However, the cause of the power loss on the two engines remains undetermined.

Probable cause

A technical problem occurred with the slats which deployed in an inappropriate angle after rotation. Nevertheless, the cause of the power loss on two engines remains unknown.