Investigations have begun into the crash at Privolzhsky Aerodrome

Published: 6/26/2000

An investigation team led by Colonel-General Victor Mikhailov, Deputy Commander in Chief of the Russian Air Force, has begun its investigation of the crash of a Russian Air Force Il-76 on 21st June at Privolzhsky Aerodrome, 12 km northwest of Astrakhan. The Il-76, piloted by Major Rafis Kamalov and reported to have been carrying 221 passengers, well above the certified capacity of 140 troops and seven crew, returned to the airbase 23 minutes after take-off from Privolzhsky, due to unspecified system failures. Despite catching fire on landing however, none of the aircraft's crew or passengers was injured in the landing. From local reports it appears that the 33-year-old pilot, who has already flown 60 hours this year, has been absolved of any blame for the incident by the investigation, stating that his actions appeared to be 'reasonable and competent'.

Article ID: 1873