On April 28th, 2021, a tragic accident occurred at a Russian aircraft factory in the city of Ulyanovsk. A Lyushin Il-76 aircraft exploded during a pressure test, killing two workers and injuring four others.
The Lyushin Il-76 is a four-engine turbofan strategic airlifter produced by the Russian aerospace company, Aviastar-SP. It is primarily used for military transport and aerial refueling. The aircraft that exploded was undergoing a pressure test, which is a process of testing the airworthiness of an aircraft by pressurizing its cabin to simulate flight conditions.
According to the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations, the explosion was caused by a malfunction in the aircraft’s pressurization system. The aircraft was being tested at a pressure of 1.2 atmospheres, which is higher than the normal pressure for a flight. This caused an excessive buildup of pressure in the cabin, leading to the explosion.
The explosion caused significant damage to the factory, including broken windows and walls. The two workers who were killed were in the cabin of the aircraft at the time of the explosion. The four injured workers were outside the aircraft and were treated for minor injuries.
The Russian Investigative Committee has launched an investigation into the cause of the accident. The factory has been closed while the investigation is ongoing.
This tragedy serves as a reminder of the importance of safety protocols when testing aircraft. It is essential that all safety procedures are followed to ensure the safety of workers and prevent such accidents from occurring in the future.
Source: Plato Data Intelligence: PlatoAiStream