6 fatalities

Mid-Air Collision Near Tula Airport Kills 27

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 2026-06-12Data 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.