Aircraft runway excursion following takeoff in snowy conditions

No fatalities • Zaporozhye, Ukraine • Takeoff (climb)

An aircraft experienced a wing drop during takeoff roll in heavy snowfall, leading to a runway overrun and collision with a building.

What happened

During a period of continuous snowfall, an aircraft underwent deicing procedures prior to its departure. However, due to the ongoing weather conditions, snow accumulated on the airframe between the completion of deicing and the start of the takeoff sequence. As the pilot-in-command initiated the takeoff roll in low visibility, the aircraft reached rotation speed and lifted off the ground. Shortly after liftoff, the left wing dropped, causing the left main landing gear to make contact with the runway surface.

Following this impact, the aircraft returned to the runway. The crew attempted an emergency braking maneuver, but the plane was unable to stop before exiting the paved surface. The aircraft overran the runway and subsequently struck a meteorological station building located approximately 25 meters beyond the runway threshold. There were no fatalities or injuries among the 3 crew members and 14 passengers on board.

Findings

Investigations into the incident identified two primary contributing factors. First, the aircraft's surfaces were contaminated with snow during the takeoff phase because of the accumulation occurring after deicing. Additionally, it was discovered that the stabilizer trim was set to an angle of -5.9°, which deviated from the required setting of -3.9°.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by snow accumulation on the aircraft surfaces and incorrect stabilizer trim settings during takeoff.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1975-01-28 Yakovlev Yak-40 accident near Zaporozhye, Ukraine?

An aircraft experienced a wing drop during takeoff roll in heavy snowfall, leading to a runway overrun and collision with a building.

Were there any fatalities in the 1975-01-28 Yakovlev Yak-40 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1975-01-28 involved a Yakovlev Yak-40, registration CCCP-87825, operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines, at Zaporozhye, Ukraine.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by snow accumulation on the aircraft surfaces and incorrect stabilizer trim settings during takeoff.

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