Runway excursion and post-crash fire involving aircraft during aborted takeoff

7 fatalities • Bukhara, Uzbekistan • Takeoff (climb)

An aircraft experienced a runway overrun and subsequent fire after an aborted takeoff attempt, resulting in seven fatalities and twelve injuries.

What happened

During the takeoff roll, approximately 18 seconds after the sequence began, the aircraft reached a speed of 150 km/h at a distance of 360 meters from the start of the runway. At this point, the co-pilot identified an issue regarding the nose gear and questioned whether the elevators and rudder were in the unlocked position. Recognizing that the takeoff could not safely proceed, the captain ordered the crew to abort the procedure.

Following the decision to stop, the engine power was decreased and emergency braking was applied. As the aircraft continued down the runway, it reached a speed of 215 km/h while still 300 meters from the runway threshold. The aircraft was unable to halt before reaching the end of the pavement. The plane overran the runway by 540 meters, eventually striking an embankment and coming to a stop against trees. A fire broke out following the collision, causing partial destruction of the airframe.

The accident resulted in seven fatalities and 12 injuries among the occupants.

Findings

Investigations indicated that the control column was obstructed, making a successful takeoff impossible under the circumstances. While the exact origin of this mechanical anomaly could not be definitively identified, investigators considered two primary possibilities: a system malfunction caused by corrosion on electrical connectors affecting the locking system alarms, or human error. Additionally, the decision to terminate the takeoff roll was determined to have been made too late, serving as a contributing factor to the overrun.

Probable cause

The obstruction of the control column prevented a safe takeoff, compounded by a delayed decision to abort the takeoff roll.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1974-12-14 Yakovlev Yak-40 accident near Bukhara, Uzbekistan?

An aircraft experienced a runway overrun and subsequent fire after an aborted takeoff attempt, resulting in seven fatalities and twelve injuries.

Were there any fatalities in the 1974-12-14 Yakovlev Yak-40 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 7 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1974-12-14 involved a Yakovlev Yak-40, registration CCCP-87630, operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines, at Bukhara, Uzbekistan.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The obstruction of the control column prevented a safe takeoff, compounded by a delayed decision to abort the takeoff roll.

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