1 fatality

Aircraft Overruns Runway at Arkhangelsk-Talagi Airport After Failed Rotation (CCCP-87790)

Arkhangelsk-Talagi, RussiaTakeoff (climb)

On August 8, 1973, a Yakovlev Yak-40 (registration CCCP-87790) operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Arkhangelsk-Talagi, Russia during takeoff. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: An electrical problem from an unknown source occurred on the elevators locking system, causing the elevators to be jammed during the takeoff procedure. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

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

During takeoff, the aircraft failed to rotate, overran the runway, struck obstacles, and caught fire. One crew member was killed, and several others were injured. Investigation cited an elevator jam and the captain's failure to abort.

Incident

On the takeoff roll at Arkhangelsk-Talagi Airport, the aircraft reached a speed of 160 km/h when the captain initiated rotation. The aircraft, however, did not respond and failed to become airborne. Instead of aborting the takeoff, the captain asked the copilot to investigate the issue. The aircraft continued along the runway for 2,250 meters before overrunning the end.

Sequence of Events

After leaving the runway, the aircraft traveled through bushes for 314 meters. It then struck a localizer antenna and a small building located 116 meters further. The aircraft, now out of control, continued for another 55 meters before colliding with a concrete pillar. It came to rest engulfed in flames.

Aftermath

The copilot was killed in the accident. The captain, flight engineer, and 11 passengers sustained injuries, while the remaining 17 occupants were unharmed. The aircraft was destroyed by the impact forces and the subsequent fire.

Probable Cause

The official investigation determined that an electrical problem from an unknown source occurred on the elevators locking system, causing the elevators to be jammed during the takeoff procedure. The reaction of the captain was inadequate as he failed to abandon the takeoff manoeuvre when the problem was detected.