6 fatalities

1972-10-23: Antonov AN-12 — Soviet Air Force - Voyenno-vozdushnye sily CCCP — Tula, Russia

Tula, RussiaLanding (descent or approach)

On October 23, 1972, an Antonov AN-12 operated by Soviet Air Force - Voyenno-vozdushnye sily CCCP was involved in an aviation accident near Tula, Russia during landing or approach. 6 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: It was reported that a radar failed and ATC was unable to determine the exact position of both aircraft. Poor visibility due to marginal weather conditions was considered as a contributing factor. 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 1781233514Data APIEditorial standards

Two aircraft collided on approach to Tula Airport in marginal weather, killing all 27 occupants. A radar failure hindered ATC from tracking positions.

Incident

On a local training flight at Tula Airport, a four-engine airplane with six crew members aboard was completing an approach in marginal weather conditions. It collided with a second aircraft, an Antonov AN-12BP belonging to the Soviet Air Force. The Antonov was inbound from Sestsha Airbase in Bryansk, carrying 14 passengers and six crew. Following the collision, both aircraft dove into a field several kilometers from the airport and were destroyed. All 27 occupants on both aircraft were killed.

Contributing Factors

The official investigation reported that a radar failed, leaving air traffic control unable to determine the exact positions of the two aircraft. Poor visibility due to marginal weather conditions was considered a contributing factor.

Aftermath

No further details regarding recovery or investigative actions were provided in the source.

Probable cause

It was reported that a radar failed and ATC was unable to determine the exact position of both aircraft. Poor visibility due to marginal weather conditions was considered as a contributing factor.