This lovely 154 was originally delivered to the Kyrgyzstan directorate of Aeroflot as CCCP-85718 in February 1992. It is pictured here taxing out for departure (presumably) back to Bishkek. Less than two months later this 154 was involved in a ground collision at Bishkek. During a take-off run about 2.7 m of the 154's outer right-wing was ripped off after striking the No.1 engine fairing of USAF KC-135R 63-8886, which had just vacated the runway. The KC-135 burned out but the 154 was able to become airborne, make a safe emergency landing in the opposite direction and was eventually repaired.

This photo is copyright © Alastair T. Gardiner, and may not be used or published in any way without permission.

It was added on 1 April 2020, and has since been viewed 208 times.