13 fatalities

1998-11-11: Antonov AN-12 (RA-12955) — Vilyui — Krasnoyarsk-Yemelyanovo (Severny), Russia

Krasnoyarsk-Yemelyanovo (Severny), RussiaTakeoff (climb)

On November 11, 1998, an Antonov AN-12 (registration RA-12955) operated by Vilyui was involved in an aviation accident near Krasnoyarsk-Yemelyanovo (Severny), Russia during takeoff. 13 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Loss of control during initial climb after the crew raised the flaps due to the presence of severe icing conditions which impaired the controllability of the aircraft and its aerodynamic characteristics. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781204771Data APIEditorial standards

A cargo flight from Novosibirsk to Mirny crashed shortly after takeoff from Krasnoyarsk. The aircraft lost control after raising flaps in severe icing conditions, killing all 13 occupants.

Accident

A cargo aircraft crashed in a wooded area approximately 5 kilometers from its departure airport, killing all 13 individuals on board—seven crew members and six passengers. The impact and subsequent fire destroyed the aircraft.

Flight Details

The flight originated in Novosibirsk with an intermediate stop in Krasnoyarsk before continuing to Mirny. The aircraft carried 13,380 kilograms of cargo, including food, tobacco, clothing, and footwear.

Weather and Icing

Weather conditions at the time of the accident were marginal, with snowfall and icing conditions present.

Takeoff and Initial Climb

During the takeoff roll, the pilot-in-command initiated rotation after 2,400 meters at a speed of 280 km/h. After liftoff, the aircraft experienced rolling motions left and right, but the crew continued climbing at approximately 4 meters per second. At a height of 150 meters and a speed of 330 km/h, the crew raised the flaps.

Loss of Control

Shortly after raising the flaps, the aircraft began to lose altitude, entered an uncontrolled descent, and struck trees before crashing.

Probable Cause

The official investigation determined the probable cause to be loss of control during initial climb after the crew raised the flaps due to the presence of severe icing conditions, which impaired the controllability of the aircraft and its aerodynamic characteristics. The short distance between the aircraft and the ground did not allow the crew to expect recovery.