Runway excursion and aircraft breakup following aborted takeoff

1 fatality • Rostov-on-Don, Russia • Takeoff (climb)

An aircraft overran the runway and collided with an embankment during an aborted takeoff on a wet surface, resulting in one fatality.

What happened

During an attempted takeoff on a wet runway, the flight crew initiated an abort procedure after the aircraft had traveled 1,040 meters. With only 40 meters of runway remaining, the aircraft was unable to come to a complete stop before exiting the paved surface. The aircraft type continued down the runway, overrunning the threshold and traveling an additional 185 meters until it struck an embankment and a hammock. The impact caused the airframe to break apart, eventually coming to rest within a nearby ravine.

The accident resulted in one fatality involving the flight mechanic, while 18 injuries were reported among the other occupants. A total of 19 individuals on board escaped the incident without harm. The aircraft was destroyed during the collision and subsequent breakup.

Findings

Investigations into the accident identified that the crew attempted to depart from a runway that lacked sufficient length for the specific aircraft type. It was determined that the takeoff attempt was conducted using an inadequate runway for the operational requirements of the flight.

Contributing factors included insufficient pre-flight preparation, specifically regarding the failure to verify and correctly calculate the required V1 and V2 speeds prior to the takeoff roll. Additional environmental and operational elements contributing to the excursion included the weight of the aircraft, the presence of a wet runway surface, and prevailing weather conditions.

Probable cause

The crew attempted a takeoff from a runway that was too short for the aircraft type and failed to properly calculate critical takeoff speeds.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1974-05-02 Yakovlev Yak-40 accident near Rostov-on-Don, Russia?

An aircraft overran the runway and collided with an embankment during an aborted takeoff on a wet surface, resulting in one fatality.

Were there any fatalities in the 1974-05-02 Yakovlev Yak-40 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1974-05-02 involved a Yakovlev Yak-40, registration CCCP-87398, operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines, at Rostov-on-Don, Russia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The crew attempted a takeoff from a runway that was too short for the aircraft type and failed to properly calculate critical takeoff speeds.

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