On January 24, 1988, a Yakovlev Yak-40 (registration CCCP-87549) operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Nizhnevartovsk, Russia during takeoff. 27 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The exact cause of the loss of power on all three engines could not be determined with certainty, also due to the absence of evidences, efficient recording systems and testimony from the crew who were killed. 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.
During takeoff, the aircraft lifted off at 220 km/h after 1,700 m. At 2 m height, engines 2 and 3 lost 20% power, then engine 1 lost 10%. The aircraft rolled to 60°, crashed 1,800 m past runway, and burned. Four passengers seriously injured, 27 killed.
Accident Sequence
The aircraft began its takeoff roll and became airborne at a speed of 220 kilometers per hour after covering a distance of 1,700 meters. At a height of approximately 2 meters, engines number 2 and 3 suddenly lost about 20% of their power output. A few seconds later, engine number 1 also experienced a power reduction of roughly 10%. The aircraft then developed a right roll, reaching a bank angle of 60 degrees. It subsequently lost altitude and struck the ground in a field located 1,800 meters beyond the end of the runway. The impact ignited a fire that engulfed the wreckage.
Casualties
Of the people on board, four passengers sustained serious injuries. The remaining 27 occupants were killed.
Investigation
The official investigation determined that the precise cause of the power loss affecting all three engines could not be established with certainty. This inconclusiveness was attributed to a lack of physical evidence, the absence of effective recording systems, and the fact that the flight crew, who died in the crash, could not provide testimony.
Probable cause
The exact cause of the loss of power on all three engines could not be determined with certainty, also due to the absence of evidences, efficient recording systems and testimony from the crew who were killed.