Overview
On a scheduled passenger flight from Baku to Leningrad, the aircraft experienced a simultaneous failure of all three engines while cruising at an altitude of 9,600 meters. Shortly thereafter, all generators also failed, rendering the electrical system inoperative. The loss of power caused the aircraft to lose altitude and speed, which dropped to 370 km/h.
Sequence of Events
Unable to maintain altitude, the flight crew initiated an emergency landing in an open field. After touchdown, the airplane slid for 1,518 meters, during which it struck various obstacles before coming to rest in flames.
Casualties and Damage
Four passengers were killed in the accident. The remaining 130 occupants were rescued, some of whom sustained injuries. The aircraft itself was destroyed.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined the probable cause to be: "In-flight failure of all three engines after the fuel transfer system failed while being connected on manual mode. Technical analysis were unable to determine the exact cause of the fuel transfer system failure but it is possible this was caused by the malfunction or the failure of a switch or other electrical components."