Investigation Summary
The aircraft, an Ilyushin Il-76MD manufactured in 1988, was operating a multi-leg training mission. After refueling at Dyagilevo Air Base, the flight departed for Belgorod. During the initial climb, air traffic controllers observed flames emanating from the number 4 engine (the outermost engine on the right wing). The crew initiated emergency procedures and attempted to maneuver the heavy transport aircraft toward a meadow for a forced landing. During the approach, the aircraft struck power lines and subsequently impacted trees, which caused the airframe to break apart. One engine was reportedly recovered from a field approximately one kilometer prior to the main wreckage site, suggesting a significant mechanical failure or separation prior to impact. While three crew members died at the scene, two others succumbed to their injuries in the hospital.
Final Conclusions
The Russian Ministry of Defence attributed the crash to an in-flight fire in the number 4 engine. The investigation confirmed that the crew attempted an emergency landing after the engine failure was detected. The aircraft was destroyed by the impact and subsequent fire. The five fatalities included the aircraft commander, navigator, flight engineer-instructor, an ADO aeronautical engineer, and a flight school cadet.
Video Analysis
No video analysis linked for this case file yet.
Airframe & Maintenance
Systems & Failure Modes
Engine No. 4
The outermost right-hand engine which suffered a catastrophic fire and failure shortly after takeoff.
Fire Suppression System
The aircraft is equipped with engine fire extinguishers, though they were unable to contain the blaze in this instance.
Interesting Facts
- 01The aircraft was an Ilyushin Il-76MD built in 1988 with serial number 0083489659.
- 02The flight was a training mission with no cargo on board.
- 03Five crew members were killed, including one who died later in the hospital.
- 04The crash occurred approximately 5 km east-southeast of the Ryazan-Dyagilevo Air Base.
- 05The aircraft was destroyed by a post-crash fire.
Location
ACCIDENT SITE · Coordinates taken from the wikidata coordinate.