Fatal formation flight accident involving An-12 wake turbulence

7 fatalities • Melitopol, Ukraine • Flight

A formation flight ended in a fatal crash after an aircraft encountered the wake vortex of a leading Antonov An-12.

What happened

While participating in a formation flight under conditions of limited visibility, an unidentified aircraft experienced a sudden loss of control. The pilot, under the impression that they had successfully moved past the lead plane, reduced the airspeed to 300 km/h. During this maneuver, the aircraft encountered the wake turbulence generated by a leading An-12.

The resulting aerodynamic instability caused the aircraft to crash. The accident resulted in seven fatalities, with no survivors among the crew members on board.

Findings

Investigation into the sequence of events suggests that the primary factor was the encounter with the wake vortex from the preceding heavy aircraft. This turbulence occurred while the pilot was adjusting speed during a period of restricted visibility, which contributed to the loss of control.

Probable cause

The aircraft entered the wake turbulence produced by a leading An-12 during a formation flight in low visibility.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1971-12-06 Antonov AN-12 accident near Melitopol, Ukraine?

A formation flight ended in a fatal crash after an aircraft encountered the wake vortex of a leading Antonov An-12.

Were there any fatalities in the 1971-12-06 Antonov AN-12 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 7 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1971-12-06 involved a Antonov AN-12, operated by Soviet Air Force - Voyenno-vozdushnye sily CCCP, at Melitopol, Ukraine.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft entered the wake turbulence produced by a leading An-12 during a formation flight in low visibility.

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