On January 31, 1959, an Antonov AN-12 operated by Soviet Air Force - Voyenno-vozdushnye sily CCCP was involved in an aviation accident near Vitebsk, Belarus during takeoff. 6 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Failure of both right engines number three and four due to a short-circuit in a terminal strip. For unknown reason, the crew failed to feather the propeller on both right engines. 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.
During takeoff, both right engines failed and rudder moved full left. Aircraft banked right, wing struck ground, crashed inverted 160m away. Six crew killed, gunner injured. Cause: short-circuit in terminal strip; crew failed to feather propellers.
Accident Overview
During the takeoff roll, both engines on the right side—number three and four—experienced a power loss. Simultaneously, the rudder deflected fully to the left as the crew attempted to rotate the aircraft. Despite lifting off, the aircraft began to bank to the right, resulting in the right wing making contact with the ground. The aircraft became uncontrollable and crashed, ultimately coming to rest inverted and engulfed in flames about 160 meters beyond the initial ground contact. The impact and ensuing fire led to the deaths of six crew members; one gunner suffered minor injuries.
Investigation Findings
Investigators identified a short-circuit in a terminal strip as the cause of the dual engine failure. The crew did not feather the propellers on the failed engines, though the reason for this omission remains unknown.
Probable cause
Failure of both right engines number three and four due to a short-circuit in a terminal strip. For unknown reason, the crew failed to feather the propeller on both right engines.