Investigation Summary
The flight was part of a training program for cadets of the Ivan Kozhedub National Air Force University. During the sixth consecutive flight of the evening, the crew reported a pressure drop in the left engine torque sensor (IKM-8). Although the engine itself had not physically failed, the crew and air traffic control faced a series of complications. The aircraft was forced to wait for one minute before receiving landing clearance because another plane was already on the approach path. During the final descent, the aircraft lost altitude and struck the ground approximately 1,500 meters from the runway, bursting into flames near the M03 highway. Investigators found that the university had systematically violated flight rules, including performing 'conveyor' takeoffs that were not authorized for this aircraft type and allowing an excessive number of cadets on board. The State Bureau of Investigation eventually charged several high-ranking military officials, including the Commander of the Air Force, with negligence.
Final Conclusions
The government commission concluded on 28 October 2020 that the crash was caused by a combination of factors: a failure in the engine control system, systematic violations of flight rules by the Kharkiv University of the Air Force, insufficient crew preparation for emergency situations, and the use of 'conveyor-style' takeoffs. Legal proceedings resulted in the suspicion and arrest of several officials for negligence and violation of flight preparation rules.
Photographic Evidence (1)
Video Analysis
No video analysis linked for this case file yet.
Airframe & Maintenance
Crew Experience
Captain / Instructor Pilot
Bohdan Kyshenia, a second-class pilot.
Systems & Failure Modes
IKM-8 Torque Sensor
A sensor designed to measure engine torque; a pressure drop in this system led the crew to believe the left engine was failing.
Engine Control System
The investigation cited a failure in the engine control system as a technical contributing factor to the loss of control.
Temperature Control System
A malfunction in this system was identified by the investigation as a factor that contributed to the sequence of events leading to pilot error.
Interesting Facts
- 01The aircraft was an Antonov An-26Sh, a specialized navigator training version of the An-26.
- 0225 people died at the scene; one survivor died the following day in a hospital due to severe burns.
- 03The instructor pilot in command, Bohdan Kyshenia, had over 700 flight hours.
- 04The investigation revealed that 'conveyor' (touch-and-go) landings were being performed, which was a violation of the flight program for this aircraft.
- 05The aircraft was manufactured in 1977 and had the serial number 56-08.
Safety Actions & Advisories
Suspension of Officials
Those responsible for organizing and conducting training flights at the university were removed from their positions pending the investigation.
Criminal Prosecution
The State Bureau of Investigation (DBR) filed criminal charges against the Commander of the Air Force and other military leaders for negligence and violation of flight rules.
Known Controversies & Unanswered Questions
Maintenance Discrepancy
Reference ↗While the Minister of Defense stated the plane was in good condition, the mother of the pilot reported that her son had complained the aircraft was in poor shape and that engines were frequently failing.
Location
ACCIDENT SITE · Coordinates taken from the official investigation report.