Aircraft crash near Voroshilovgrad Airport

65 fatalities • Voroshilovgrad, Ukraine • Landing (descent or approach)

A fatal aviation accident occurred during the approach phase to Voroshilovgrad Airport, resulting in the loss of all 65 people on board.

What happened

During an approach to Voroshilovgrad Airport, an aircraft was descending from an altitude of 1,200 meters toward 600 meters when it became uncontrollable. The plane entered a steep dive and struck the ground in a field situated approximately 13 km from the runway threshold. The impact triggered a massive explosion, and the aircraft type was completely destroyed. There were no survivors among the 65 fatalities recorded in the incident.

Findings

Investigations into the crash revealed that a section of the right wing's upper surface, measuring approximately 13 square meters, separated from the structure during the approach. This structural failure rendered the plane impossible to control. While the loss of the wing segment was confirmed, investigators could not identify the specific reason for the detachment, as no defects in the rivets or other technical malfunctions were detected during the examination of the wreckage.

Probable cause

The separation of a 13 square meter portion of the right wing's upper surface during the approach phase caused the aircraft to become uncontrollable.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1971-03-31 Antonov AN-10 accident near Voroshilovgrad, Ukraine?

A fatal aviation accident occurred during the approach phase to Voroshilovgrad Airport, resulting in the loss of all 65 people on board.

Were there any fatalities in the 1971-03-31 Antonov AN-10 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 65 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1971-03-31 involved a Antonov AN-10, registration CCCP-11145, operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines, at Voroshilovgrad, Ukraine.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The separation of a 13 square meter portion of the right wing's upper surface during the approach phase caused the aircraft to become uncontrollable.

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