8 fatalities

Aircraft crash near Privolzhskiy Air Force Base

Privolzhskiy AFB (Astrakhan), RussiaLanding (descent or approach)

On September 1, 1988, an Antonov AN-12 operated by Soviet Air Force - Voyenno-vozdushnye sily CCCP was involved in an aviation accident near Privolzhskiy AFB (Astrakhan), Russia during landing or approach. 8 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft experienced an aerodynamic stall and loss of control during its final approach to the airfield. 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 2026-06-11Data APIEditorial standards

A four-engine aircraft crashed during its final approach to Privolzhskiy AFB, resulting in the deaths of all eight crew members.

What happened

During the final approach phase at Privolzhskiy Air Force Base, a four-engine aircraft experienced a loss of control while flying at an altitude of approximately 300 meters. The flight path deviated from the established approach pattern, leading to an aerodynamic stall. The aircraft subsequently crashed in the vicinity of the airfield.

All eight crew members on board were killed in the accident.

Findings

Initial reports indicate that the aircraft entered a stall and lost controllability during the descent. While it is noted that the flight deviated from its intended approach pattern, the specific reason for this deviation remains undetermined.

Probable cause

The aircraft experienced an aerodynamic stall and loss of control during its final approach to the airfield.