Accident with Russian aircraft in Bishkek airport probably caused by malfunction in brake-gear

The accident involving the Russian Il-62 cargo aircraft, which took place this morning at Bishkek airport (Kyrgyzstan), was probably caused by a malfunction in the aircraft's brake-gear. According to the airport personnel, the aircraft landed well but failed to speed down having travelled more than a kilometre beyond the landing strip and subsequently crashed into a concrete wall.

According to eyewitnesses, several strong explosions followed the collision and the aircraft caught fire. When having collided with the wall, the aircraft fell to several pieces and burned down to ashes.

The jet caught fire because its fuel tanks were full - the aircraft was to fly back to Moscow.

American servicemen of the international anti-terrorist coalition's contingent deployed to the military base in Bishkek took an energetic part in fire extinguishing. They also provided first aid to eight injured crewmen of the aircraft. The aircraft was empty on arrival in Bishkek. It was to take on-board commercial cargo.