Aircraft excursion during takeoff roll

No fatalities • Tarnogsky Gorodok, Russia • Takeoff (climb)

An aircraft veered off the runway centerline and struck an embankment during its takeoff roll, resulting in no injuries but significant damage.

What happened

During the initial stages of the takeoff roll, the aircraft began to drift away from the runway centerline toward the left side of the strip. Although the crew attempted maneuvers to correct the directional deviation and maintain the path, the aircraft ultimately departed the paved surface. The movement continued until the plane impacted an embankment located on the left flank of the runway, where it eventually came to a stop.

Despite the impact with the terrain, there were no casualties among the passengers or crew. All 26 occupants managed to evacuate the scene without sustaining any injuries. However, the structural damage sustained during the excursion was severe enough that the aircraft was declared a total loss.

Findings

Investigations into the incident identified the primary reason for the loss of directional control as a failure within the nosewheel steering system, which prevented the crew from maintaining the necessary alignment during the high-speed portion of the takeoff.

Probable cause

The aircraft experienced a failure of the nosewheel steering mechanism, leading to a loss of directional control during the takeoff roll.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1987-01-25 Yakovlev Yak-40 accident near Tarnogsky Gorodok, Russia?

An aircraft veered off the runway centerline and struck an embankment during its takeoff roll, resulting in no injuries but significant damage.

Were there any fatalities in the 1987-01-25 Yakovlev Yak-40 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1987-01-25 involved a Yakovlev Yak-40, registration CCCP-87696, operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines, at Tarnogsky Gorodok, Russia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft experienced a failure of the nosewheel steering mechanism, leading to a loss of directional control during the takeoff roll.

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