14 fatalities

1971-01-22: Antonov AN-12 (CCCP-11000) — Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines — Surgut, Russia

Surgut, RussiaLanding (descent or approach)

On January 22, 1971, an Antonov AN-12 (registration CCCP-11000) operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Surgut, Russia during landing or approach. 14 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: There were severe icing conditions at the time of the accident and the crew activated all de-icing equipment. Nevertheless, it appears that following the failure of a valve, the de-icing equipment was inoperative. 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 1781235541Data APIEditorial standards

A cargo flight from Omsk to Surgut crashed 15 km short of the runway during a night approach in icing conditions. All 14 occupants, including two passengers and 12 crew, died. The aircraft was destroyed. The probable cause was severe icing and a de-icing system valve failure.

Accident

The aircraft was on a cargo flight from Omsk to Surgut, carrying two passengers and a crew of twelve, including six reserve members. The cargo consisted of 12 tons of various construction equipment. While approaching Surgut Airport at night under icing conditions, at an altitude of 400 meters and a speed of 330 km/h, the pilot lost control. The airplane crashed in flames 15 kilometers short of the runway. The aircraft was destroyed, and all 14 occupants were killed.

Probable Cause

The official investigation determined that severe icing conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The crew had activated all de-icing equipment. However, due to the failure of a valve, the de-icing equipment was inoperative. This led to an excessive accumulation of ice on the fuselage, wings, and all four engines, resulting in a loss of control.