Engine power loss leads to fatal crash during takeoff

27 fatalities • Nizhnevartovsk, Russia • Takeoff (climb)

A sudden reduction in power across all three engines caused an aircraft to roll and crash shortly after departing the runway, resulting in 27 fatalities.

What happened

During the takeoff phase of flight, the aircraft completed its rotation at a speed of 220 km/h following a ground roll of 1,700 meters. Almost immediately after leaving the runway at an altitude of approximately 2 meters, the second and third engines experienced a power drop of roughly 20%. Within a few seconds, the first engine also underwent a power reduction of about 10%.

This simultaneous loss of thrust caused the aircraft to bank heavily to the right, reaching a 60-degree angle. The plane subsequently lost altitude and impacted a field situated 1,800 meters beyond the runway threshold. The impact resulted in a post-crash fire. The accident resulted in 27 fatalities and left four passengers seriously injured.

Findings

Investigators were unable to definitively identify why all three engines experienced a simultaneous loss of power. This lack of certainty was attributed to the absence of physical evidence, the lack of functional recording equipment, and the fact that the crew members involved in the accident did not survive to provide testimony.

Probable cause

The specific reason for the simultaneous power reduction across all three engines remains undetermined due to a lack of recoverable data and witnesses.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1988-01-24 Yakovlev Yak-40 accident near Nizhnevartovsk, Russia?

A sudden reduction in power across all three engines caused an aircraft to roll and crash shortly after departing the runway, resulting in 27 fatalities.

Were there any fatalities in the 1988-01-24 Yakovlev Yak-40 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 27 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1988-01-24 involved a Yakovlev Yak-40, registration CCCP-87549, operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines, at Nizhnevartovsk, Russia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The specific reason for the simultaneous power reduction across all three engines remains undetermined due to a lack of recoverable data and witnesses.

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