During a flight from Krasnoyarsk to Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, aboard an Il-76 (tail number RA-76363) belonging to the Aviation Rescue Company of the Russian Emergencies Ministry, an indication of metallic shavings in the oil system of the first powerplant was triggered. The incident occurred during the daytime on January 24 while approaching Yakutsk at flight level FL330.
Despite the fact that all engine operating parameters remained within normal limits, the crew, following the requirements of the Il-76 aircraft flight operations manual, sequentially moved the engine control lever to idle thrust mode and then completely shut down the damaged powerplant. After that, the aircraft descended to flight level FL290 to continue the flight on the three remaining engines.
The aircraft commander decided to proceed to the alternate airfield in Khabarovsk. Although no official emergency was declared, the airport response service was placed on alert. Almost four hours after the initial indication — at approximately 16:00 local time — the aircraft landed safely.
The airfield's emergency rescue services escorted the Il-76 to its parking stand. Only crew members were on board; there were no passengers or cargo requiring emergency evacuation. Specialists are determining the causes of the appearance of shavings in the oil system.