Investigators on Wednesday blamed pilot error and improper training for the crash of a Yak-42 on Sept. 7 that killed 44 people, including the entire Lokomotiv Yaroslavl hockey team.
According to Russia’s Interstate Aviation Committee, the jet crashed on takeoff after one of the pilots accidentally activated the brakes and then jerked the yoke back as the airplane struggled to lift off. The crew reportedly realized the brakes were on in time to safely abort the takeoff, but continued with the takeoff nonetheless, a mistake investigators say may have occurred due to pressure from company management to cut costs and avoid flight delays.
