Mid-air collision involving two Antonov AN-12BP aircraft near Tu…

Mid-air collision involving two Antonov AN-12BP aircraft near Tula Airport

6 fatalities • Tula, Russia • Landing (descent or approach)

Two Antonov AN-12BP aircraft collided in mid-air during approach at Tula Airport, resulting in the deaths of all 27 people on board both planes.

What happened

During a local training mission at Tula Airport, a four-engine aircraft carrying six crew members was performing its approach under marginal weather conditions. During this maneuver, it collided with another Antonov AN-12BP operated by the Soviet Air Force (Voyenno-vozdushnye sily CCCP). The second aircraft had been traveling from Sestsha Airbase in Bryansk and was transporting 14 passengers along with a crew of six.

Following the impact, both aircraft lost altitude rapidly and descended into a field situated a short distance from the airport. The accident resulted in 27 fatalities, representing all occupants aboard both airframes.

Findings

Investigations into the collision identified that a radar failure prevented air traffic controllers from accurately tracking the positions of the two aircraft. Additionally, the presence of poor visibility caused by marginal weather conditions was noted as a contributing factor to the accident.

Probable cause

The inability of air traffic control to monitor aircraft positions due to radar failure and limited visibility during poor weather conditions.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1972-10-23 Antonov AN-12 accident near Tula, Russia?

Two Antonov AN-12BP aircraft collided in mid-air during approach at Tula Airport, resulting in the deaths of all 27 people on board both planes.

Were there any fatalities in the 1972-10-23 Antonov AN-12 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 6 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1972-10-23 involved a Antonov AN-12, operated by Soviet Air Force - Voyenno-vozdushnye sily CCCP, at Tula, Russia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?