Aeroflot Flight 15 was a domestic passenger flight that met with a catastrophic fate in Irkutsk Oblast, Soviet Union. During its operation, the aircraft suffered a loss of control under circumstances that have been a subject of investigation yet remain unresolved. The tragedy unfolded on February 29, 1968, when the aircraft, carrying 84 occupants, including passengers and crew, crashed. Remarkably, only one person survived the accident, while the remaining 83 lost their lives. The loss of the majority of those on board marked one of the deadliest incidents in Soviet aviation history.

The investigation into the accident highlighted the challenges faced by the Soviet aviation industry, particularly in the context of maintaining safety standards amidst the increasing demand for air travel following World War II. In the years preceding the accident, the industry expanded rapidly, introducing new aircraft and technologies. However, as noted in various safety reviews, there were significant lapses concerning pilot training and equipment maintenance. Investigators sought to identify whether human error, technical faults, or environmental factors contributed to the loss of control.

In the wake of the accident, there was a heightened focus on aviation safety protocols within the Soviet Union, leading to reforms aimed at reducing the risks associated with air travel. The incident influenced future policies concerning aircraft operation and maintenance, ultimately contributing to an evolution in safety measures across Soviet civil aviation. Despite the tragic loss of life, the lessons learned from Aeroflot Flight 15 played a pivotal role in improving safety standards in subsequent years.