32 fatalities

1973-02-28: Yakovlev Yak-40 (CCCP-87602) — Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines — Semipalatinsk, Kazakhstan

Semipalatinsk, KazakhstanTakeoff (climb)

On February 28, 1973, a Yakovlev Yak-40 (registration CCCP-87602) operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Semipalatinsk, Kazakhstan during takeoff. 32 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The exact cause could not be determined with certainty. Eyewitnesses, including the air traffic controller, observed a bright flash prior to the accident, but analysis found no evidence of explosives. 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.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781233011Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff from Semipalatinsk Airport, killing all 32 on board including members of the Kyzylorda Basketball Team. The airplane lost altitude while climbing to 100 meters and struck the ground in a snow-covered field, resulting in a massive explosion. The cause remains undetermined.

Accident Summary

On the day of the accident, the aircraft departed from Semipalatinsk Airport. As it climbed to approximately 100 meters above ground, it lost altitude. The airplane then struck the ground in a relatively flat attitude in a snow-covered field located 1,457 meters from the runway end. The impact resulted in a huge explosion, which completely destroyed the aircraft.

Victims

All 32 occupants of the aircraft perished in the crash. Among the deceased were 11 female members of the Kyzylorda Basketball Team, accompanied by their coach and one judge. No further details about other passengers or crew are available.

Investigation

The official investigation into the accident was unable to determine the exact cause with certainty. Witnesses, including the air traffic controller on duty, reported seeing a bright flash in the sky just before the accident. However, various analyses of the wreckage and debris did not find any traces of explosives.

Probable cause

The exact cause could not be determined with certainty. Eyewitnesses, including the air traffic controller, observed a bright flash prior to the accident, but analysis found no evidence of explosives.