Aircraft crash near Vitebsk during approach

26 fatalities • Vitebsk, Belarus • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft flying from Pskov to Vitebsk crashed in an open field following a loss of control during an approach in icing conditions.

What happened

While performing an approach to Vitebsk, the crew of the aircraft lost control of the plane. The flight was traveling from Pskov to Vitebsk, transporting officers participating in a military exercise. During the descent, the aircraft lost altitude and collided with power cables before impacting an open field, where it caught fire.

The accident resulted in 26 fatalities among the occupants, though 5 passengers managed to survive the impact.

Findings

Investigations into the crash determined that the aircraft was operating in severe icing conditions at the time of the incident. The primary factor contributing to the loss of control was the excessive accumulation of ice across the wings, stabilizers, and the fuselage. It appears that the onboard deicing systems had not been activated by the crew during the approach.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by heavy ice buildup on the airframe because the crew failed to engage the aircraft's deicing equipment while flying in icing conditions.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1974-01-07 Antonov AN-12 accident near Vitebsk, Belarus?

An aircraft flying from Pskov to Vitebsk crashed in an open field following a loss of control during an approach in icing conditions.

Were there any fatalities in the 1974-01-07 Antonov AN-12 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 26 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1974-01-07 involved a Antonov AN-12, operated by Soviet Air Force - Voyenno-vozdushnye sily CCCP, at Vitebsk, Belarus.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by heavy ice buildup on the airframe because the crew failed to engage the aircraft's deicing equipment while flying in icing conditions.

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