Three-Engine Training Aircraft Fuel Exhaustion and Crash Landing Near Tikhoretsk (CCCP-87948)

Flight Background and Initial Conditions A three-engine aircraft was conducting a local training flight at Rostov-on-Don Airport with five crew members aboard, including one instructor and two pilots undergoing training to become captains. The flight initially included seven successful approaches to Rostov Airport. ## Deteriorating Weather and Diversion Decision As weather conditions worsened, visibility fell below minimums. The instructor decided to continue the training session at Krasnodar, located approximately 250 km to the southwest, and the aircraft was vectored accordingly. At that point, fuel reserves were estimated to last 2 hours and 30 minutes. ## Loss of Orientation and Fuel Exhaustion During the en route phase, the crew lost orientation and, due to poor air traffic control assistance, was unable to reach Krasnodar or determine its exact position. Approximately one hour later, all three engines stopped due to fuel exhaustion, prompting the crew to attempt an emergency landing. ## Crash Landing and Aftermath The aircraft crash-landed in an open field, slid for a dozen meters, and collided with several trees before coming to rest. The wreckage was found 43 km from Tikhoretsk. All five occupants were rescued; the captain and instructor were injured, while the other three occupants were unhurt. The aircraft was damaged beyond repair. ## Official Findings The official investigation found that the crew failed to analyze changing weather conditions en route and did not use radionavigation and integrated navigation equipment with sufficient effectiveness. Air traffic control in Rostov and Krasnodar failed to adequately assist the pilots and issued confusing instructions, including reporting points. Despite not knowing the aircraft's exact position, a controller allowed the crew to descend from 5,100 to 1,800 meters for an approach to Krasnodar while the aircraft was actually outside the airport area. The accident resulted from an emergency landing necessitated by fuel exhaustion. Contributing factors included poor flight organization, poor preparation of the training mission, lack of ATC assistance, and serious shortcomings in the organization of ATC in the Krasnodar and Rostov control zones.