During a flight from Krasnoyarsk to Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, an Il-76 (tail number RA-76363) belonging to the Aviation Rescue Company of the Russian Emergencies Ministry, triggered an indication of metal shavings in the oil system of the first power plant. The incident occurred on the afternoon of 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 the low throttle mode, and then completely shut down the damaged power plant. After that, the aircraft descended to flight level FL290 to continue the flight on the three remaining engines.
The aircraft commander decided to head to a reserve airfield in Khabarovsk. Although an official emergency situation was not declared, the response service at the airport was put on alert. Almost four hours after the initial signal — at approximately 16:00 local time — the aircraft landed safely.
The airfield's emergency rescue services provided escort for the Il-76 to its parking location. Only crew members were on board; there were no passengers or cargo requiring urgent evacuation. The causes of the shavings in the oil system are being investigated by specialists.
