No fatalities

1991-12-30: Yakovlev Yak-40 (CCCP-87521) — Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines — Velsk, Russia

Velsk, RussiaTakeoff (climb)

On December 30, 1991, a Yakovlev Yak-40 (registration CCCP-87521) operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Velsk, Russia during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The crew initiated rotation prematurely while the aircraft's speed was insufficient. The aircraft's weight was 535 kg above MTOW. Poor weather conditions were a contributing factor. 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 1781211407Data APIEditorial standards

Aircraft stalled on takeoff in blizzard conditions after premature rotation. Right wing struck snow, then aircraft hit tree and embankment, caught fire. Eight passengers and three crew injured; aircraft written off.

Accident Sequence

The crew commenced the takeoff procedure in whiteout conditions with a blizzard. The pilot-in-command initiated rotation prematurely while the aircraft's speed was still insufficient for liftoff. As the aircraft became airborne, the right wing stalled, causing it to contact the snow-covered surface on the right side of the runway. The aircraft continued for several dozen meters, then struck a tree and an embankment before coming to rest. The impact caused the aircraft to burst into flames, but emergency crews quickly extinguished the fire. The aircraft sustained such extensive damage that it was written off.

Injuries and Damage

The accident resulted in injuries to eight passengers and three crew members. The aircraft was destroyed beyond economical repair.

Probable Cause

Official investigation determined that the crew initiated rotation prematurely while the aircraft's speed was insufficient. At the time of the accident, the total weight of the aircraft was 535 kilograms above its maximum takeoff weight. Poor weather conditions were also a contributing factor.