Incident
An Antonov AN-12PPS departed from Šiauliai in the evening for a training exercise over Pskov oblast. Simultaneously, a Sukhoi Su-15 from Khotilovo Airbase in Tver region was tasked with simulating an aerial attack on another AN-12PPS operating in the same region. The exercise proceeded under good weather conditions but with low visibility due to night. Radio transmissions between crews were difficult because of interference.
Collision
After completing his mission, the Su-15 pilot attempted a last turn and collided with the first AN-12PPS. Both aircraft dove into the ground and crashed in a field. All nine occupants on both aircraft were killed.
Investigation
Investigators determined that the fighter pilot had not been informed of the presence of the first AN-12PPS in the exercise region. This was most probably due to negligence in the preparation of the mission or poor coordination among all crews engaged. It was also possible that radio frequency interference hampered the progress of the exercise.