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Unexplained Wing Drop During Initial Climb Leads to Crash Landing in Snow-Covered Field (CCCP-87911)

Aldan, RussiaTakeoff (climb)

On April 8, 1978, a Yakovlev Yak-40 (registration CCCP-87911) operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Aldan, Russia during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The exact cause of the accident and the reason of the right wing drop could not be established and identified. The takeoff speed was correct. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

Following a normal takeoff, an aircraft experienced an unexplained 30-degree right wing drop during initial climb. It struck a snow wall and crash-landed, injuring five crew members while all 12 passengers escaped uninjured.

Accident Overview and Sequence of Events The aircraft completed a normal takeoff roll and initiated rotation at a speed of 178 km/h. During the initial climb phase, the right wing dropped to an angle of 30°. The flight crew attempted to correct the attitude using the ailerons, but the aircraft continued to descend. It subsequently struck a 1.5-meter-high snow wall and crash-landed in a snow-covered field. The impact caused the aircraft to lose its undercarriage before it came to rest. The aircraft was damaged beyond repair. All 12 passengers escaped uninjured, while five crew members sustained minor injuries. The official investigation was unable to establish or identify the exact cause of the accident or the reason for the right wing drop. The investigation confirmed that the takeoff speed was correct.

Probable cause

The exact cause of the accident and the reason of the right wing drop could not be established and identified. The takeoff speed was correct.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 8 Apr 1978 Yakovlev Yak-40 accident near Aldan, Russia?

Following a normal takeoff, an aircraft experienced an unexplained 30-degree right wing drop during initial climb. It struck a snow wall and crash-landed, injuring five crew members while all 12 passengers escaped uninjured.

Were there any fatalities in the 8 Apr 1978 Yakovlev Yak-40 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 8 Apr 1978 involved a Yakovlev Yak-40, registration CCCP-87911, operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines, at Aldan, Russia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The exact cause of the accident and the reason of the right wing drop could not be established and identified. The takeoff speed was correct.

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