40 fatalities

1959-11-16: Antonov AN-10 (CCCP-11167) — Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines — Lviv, Ukraine

Lviv, UkraineLanding (descent or approach)

On November 16, 1959, an Antonov AN-10 (registration CCCP-11167) operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Lviv, Ukraine during landing or approach. 40 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Loss of control in icing conditions when the flaps were downed to 45° on approach, apparently due to an excessive accumulation of ice on wings and stabs. The distance between the aircraft and the ground was insufficient to expect a recovery. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781247052Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft on approach to Lviv Airport crashed 2,100 meters short of the runway after nosing down at 110 meters altitude when flaps were extended to 45° in icing conditions with limited visibility. All 40 occupants were killed.

Accident Details

The approach to Lviv Airport was conducted under night and icing conditions with limited visibility. While on final approach, at an altitude of 110 meters, the flaps were lowered to 45°. The aircraft then nosed down and crashed in a field located 2,100 meters short of the runway threshold. The impact resulted in a huge explosion, and the aircraft disintegrated on impact. All 40 occupants were killed.

Probable Cause

The official investigation determined the probable cause to be a loss of control in icing conditions when the flaps were extended to 45° on approach, apparently due to an excessive accumulation of ice on the wings and stabilizers. Additionally, the distance between the aircraft and the ground was insufficient to permit a recovery.