Runway excursion and aircraft fire at Arkhangelsk-Talagi Airport

1 fatality • Arkhangelsk-Talagi, Russia • Takeoff (climb)

An aircraft failed to rotate during takeoff at Arkhangelsk-Talagi Airport, leading to a runway overrun, multiple collisions, and a post-crash fire.

What happened

During the takeoff roll at Arkhangelsk-Talagi Airport, an aircraft reached a speed of 160 km/h when the captain attempted to rotate. However, the plane failed to lift off the runway. Rather than aborting the takeoff immediately, the pilot continued the maneuver and instructed the co-pilot to investigate the cause of the malfunction.

After traveling 2,250 meters along the runway, the aircraft overran the pavement and entered a field of bushes, continuing for an additional 314 meters. The path of the aircraft then intersected with a localizer antenna and a small structure located 116 meters further down the trajectory. The plane remained out of control for another 55 meters before striking a concrete pillar. The impact and subsequent fire resulted in the total destruction of the airframe.

Among the occupants, there was one fatality involving the co-pilot. The captain, the flight engineer, and 11 passengers sustained injuries, while the remaining 17 people on board were not harmed.

Findings

Investigations revealed that an electrical malfunction from an unidentified source affected the elevators' locking system. This issue caused the elevators to become jammed during the critical takeoff phase. Additionally, the captain's response was deemed improper because he did not initiate an aborted takeoff once the mechanical difficulty was identified.

Probable cause

An electrical fault caused the elevator control system to jam, compounded by the pilot's failure to abort the takeoff roll.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1973-08-08 Yakovlev Yak-40 accident near Arkhangelsk-Talagi, Russia?

An aircraft failed to rotate during takeoff at Arkhangelsk-Talagi Airport, leading to a runway overrun, multiple collisions, and a post-crash fire.

Were there any fatalities in the 1973-08-08 Yakovlev Yak-40 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1973-08-08 involved a Yakovlev Yak-40, registration CCCP-87790, operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines, at Arkhangelsk-Talagi, Russia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

An electrical fault caused the elevator control system to jam, compounded by the pilot's failure to abort the takeoff roll.

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