1993 Tajikistan Airlines Yakovlev Yak-40 crash

Tajikistan Airlines

Industry	Aviation
Headquarters	Tajikistan
Products	Air transport services

On 28 August 1993, a non-scheduled domestic flight operated by Tajikistan Airlines involving a Yakovlev Yak-40 crashed during its takeoff roll at Khorog Airport. The tragedy resulted in the deaths of 82 individuals on board, including 14 children. Armed militants involved in the civil war in Tajikistan coerced the flight crew into accepting more passengers than the aircraft’s certified capacity, causing a critical exceedance of the maximum takeoff weight. Unable to achieve liftoff, the airplane overran the runway at high velocity, collided with multiple obstacles, and ultimately plunged into the Panj River.

This incident is recognized as the deadliest crash involving a Yakovlev Yak-40 and remains the most fatal aviation accident in Tajikistan.

Crash

While boarding at Khorog, militants controlling the vicinity during the civil conflict threatened the flight crew with firearms, compelling them to carry 81 passengers aboard an aircraft designed for only 28 occupants. Consequently, this resulted in surpassing the maximum takeoff weight by approximately 3,000 kg.

Under duress and threat of violence, the crew commenced takeoff. Shortly after beginning the takeoff roll, the left main landing gear collided with a low earth embankment located about 148–150 meters beyond the runway’s end. The aircraft then struck a boulder approximately 60 cm tall. Further along, roughly 60 meters ahead, the right landing gear impacted a concrete pillbox. Ultimately, the plane crashed into the Panj River and broke apart. Four passengers managed to survive the accident.