Aeroflot Flight 593, en route from Moscow to Hong Kong, ended in a devastating crash that claimed the lives of everyone aboard. The catastrophe was triggered by an ill-fated decision made by relief pilot Yaroslav Vladimirovich Kudrinsky, who allowed his children, Yana and Eldar, into the cockpit.

What began as an innocent family moment turned tragic when 16-year-old Eldar accidentally disengaged the autopilot. The chilling details of the incident were later uncovered through the aircraft’s black box recordings.

A Split-Second Judgment
Yaroslav’s choice to bring his children into the cockpit, though likely well-intentioned, would have de.adly consequences. He cautioned his daughter, “Don’t run there, or they’ll fire us,” as she explored the cabin.

While the plane was technically under autopilot, it still required vigilant oversight—something neither child could offer.

Curiosity Turns Catastrophic
Yana and Eldar, aged 12 and 16, were far from ordinary passengers. Eldar, curious and untrained, began interacting with the flight controls during their visit.