Reckless Bet Behind 1986 Aeroflot Crash That Killed 70 People

On October 20, 1986, a domestic Aeroflot flight in the Soviet Union tragically crashed, resulting in the deaths of all 70 passengers on board, due to a reckless bet made between the pilots. The incident has resurfaced in discussions following the recent Ahmedabad–London Air India plane crash, reigniting concerns over aviation safety. According to an official investigation, the captain challenged his co-pilot to perform a “blind landing” with all cockpit windows covered, relying solely on the aircraft’s Instrument Landing System (ILS). This challenge, intended as a daring experiment, turned catastrophic as the co-pilot was unable to align the aircraft for landing without visual references, causing it to crash before reaching the runway. Experts noted that while ILS is valuable in low-visibility conditions, it cannot replace comprehensive pilot training or safety protocols. The 1986 Aeroflot tragedy serves as a grim reminder of the consequences of human error and neglecting safety and professionalism in the cockpit. As investigations into the Ahmedabad crash continue, this event stands as a cautionary tale in aviation history.

Ilya Elokhin, a former soldier in Vladimir Putin's military, has detailed allegations of horrific war crimes, including torture and cannibalism, faced during his service in the Donetsk region of Ukraine. According to Elokhin, who served as a military clerk in Unit 71443, soldiers would use severed heads as makeshift footballs and subject fellow troops and detainees to brutal treatment, including beatings with stun guns and electric shocks. Elokhin recounted that he cataloged the deaths of around 1,500 Ukrainian soldiers, often documenting gruesome injuries and handling decomposed bodies. He escaped to Armenia, where he described the rampant corruption and abuse he witnessed, stating that commanders frequently humiliated and threatened subordinates. “They beat me, threatened me with assaults and ‘zeroing out’,” he explained, referring to a term for execution among Russian troops. His claims, now public through an interview with Vot-Tak TV, highlight the dire conditions and ethical breaches purportedly present within the Russian military's operations in Ukraine.

On June 3, Ukraine executed a sophisticated underwater assault on the Kerch Bridge, significantly impacting its structural integrity. This operation involved an estimated 1,100 kg of explosives, leaving the bridge's foundations heavily compromised. Ukraine's Security Service described the attack as a "surgical" operation using the stealth drone Marichka, which targeted a main underwater support pylon, according to local Ukrainian media. Russian officials swiftly condemned the action, labeling it a "terrorist act" and pledged a robust response. The bridge, inaugurated by President Vladimir Putin in 2018, serves as a vital military supply route connecting mainland Russia to Crimea, which was annexed in 2014. Analysts suggest this strike not only disrupts military logistics but also challenges the Kremlin’s authority, marking a shift in modern warfare tactics. In response to the explosion, Russian authorities have rerouted transport and initiated efforts to establish alternative logistics routes. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized the operation's strategic significance, indicating a new frontier in the conflict.