Russian aviation woes: Multiple IL‑76 crashes underscore systemic issues
According to official reports, the IL-76 transport aircraft met its tragic end shortly after departing an airport in Ivanovo (northeast of Moscow). Onboard were 15 people—eight crew members and seven passengers. The likely cause of the crash was a malfunction leading to an engine fire. Videos online show the aircraft's engine unit detaching during an attempted landing.
This incident in the Ivanovo region is not isolated, with another IL-76 crash occurring in the Belgorod region, bordering Ukraine, in January. Furthermore, another IL-76 was destroyed shortly after taking off near Dushanbe (Tajikistan). Throughout September 2023, an IL-76 crashed in Mali for reasons yet unknown, technically belonging to Mali but effectively operated by Russians.
The troubling state of Russian transport aviation
The frequency of such accidents seems to confirm the deteriorating condition of Russian transport aircraft. As early as 2022, the Russian "Moskovsky Komsomolets" newspaper reported on the challenges facing the Russian Federation's aviation, noting that the military relied on outdated transport aircraft, including the IL-76. The critical state of these aircraft was highlighted by Russian aviation experts who questioned the longevity of these machines.
"During the Soviet operation in Afghanistan, IL-76s were the forefront of transport aircraft, but now they're merely aged Soviet machines from the 70s and 80s," remarked "MK".
The Russian publication stressed that, despite a fraction of the fleet being modernized — merely up to 10 percent were new models two years ago — the bulk consists of decades-old aircraft in dire need of repair. "MK" also shed light on comments from anonymous industry experts who lamented that the production of new aircraft is excruciatingly slow. Despite awareness of the issue for years, Moscow has not made significant attempts to address this problem.
Although "MK" did not pinpoint the exact root of Russian aviation troubles, the conflict in Ukraine has showcased the Russian military's enduring struggle with a shortage of crucial spare parts for repairs. The situation has worsened due to Western sanctions, leading to a growing trend of cannibalizing Russian aircraft - engineers strip usable parts from damaged planes to maintain others.
The Ilyushin IL-76 Russian transport aircraft
The Ilyushin IL-76, a four-engine jet transport aircraft in production since 1974, boasts a cargo space of about 226,800 cubic feet and can transport almost 30 tonnes. It accommodates a crane capable of handling loads up to nearly 10 tonnes, an essential feature for moving heavy cargo.
Four Soloviev D-30KP turbojet engines, each delivering a thrust exceeding 12 tonnes, power the aircraft. This power allows it to reach speeds of approximately 900 km/h (around 560 mph) and operate at altitudes of up to 13,000 metres (roughly 42,650 feet). Its maximum distance capability exceeds 3,600 kilometres (around 2,236 miles).
Not only is the IL-76 among the world's largest transport aircraft, but it also remains one of the most utilized. To date, factories in Tashkent and Ulyanovsk have produced about 1,000 units of the IL-76. Despite this, the increasing rate of failures raises concerns over its continued suitability for service.
