​​The miracle on the Neva river

Investigation

The investigation commission concluded that the main cause of the accident was a malfunction in the landing gear extension and retraction system – a mounting bolt had failed due to poor condition. Similar defective bolts were found in the nose landing gears of seven other Tu-124 aircraft. The exact cause of the engines shutting down could not be determined. Due to punctured fuel tanks and water entering them, it was impossible to determine the remaining fuel at the time of the crash.

One theory suggested that the crew was at fault. There wasn't enough fuel for a normal landing on the runway because the crew had incorrectly calculated the actual fuel consumption and had not taken into account that the flight was at low altitude with the landing gear extended. Moreover, there were contradictions in the crew members' statements. The captain, co-pilot, navigator, and flight engineer disagreed on the engine mode and the exact amount of fuel on board.

According to another theory, there was a failure of the electric fuel gauge. That is, there were readings, but there was no kerosene left. The captain stated that when the engines stopped, the fuel gauge and flow meter showed a remaining 1600 kg. In his opinion, fuel might have still been in the tanks, but for some reason, it was not being supplied to the engines. The co-pilot confirmed this. The flight engineer reported that the red fuel light had come on a few seconds before the engine failure. The navigator explained that the fuel gauge could be inaccurate in either direction, and such observations had already been noted in the aircraft logbook. Since the plane was underwater, it was impossible to determine the instrument's functionality.

The widow of commander Viktor Mostovoy told Izvestia newspaper in an interview that he and his colleagues were nominated for awards (Order of the Red Star), but the award decree was ultimately not signed. Nevertheless, the commander and navigator Viktor Tsaryov received two-room apartments by order of Aeroflot management. Tugboat captain Yuri Porshin was awarded an honorary certificate and a watch.

The aircraft was written off due to the damage. After restoration, it was sent to the Kirsanov Aviation School, where it served as a flight simulator for the students for some time. In 1970, the Tu-124 was dismantled for scrap metal.