No fatalities

Special Flight to Baranikha Strikes Hill, Aircraft Destroyed (CCCP-79943)

Baranikha, RussiaLanding (descent or approach)

On February 21, 1966, an Antonov AN-2 (registration CCCP-79943) operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Baranikha, Russia during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot reduced too much the engine power on approach, causing the airplane to lose speed and height. 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)Source recordUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A special flight from Pevek to Baranikha struck a snow-covered hill during approach in deteriorating visibility, tearing off the left ski. Both pilots were uninjured but the aircraft was damaged beyond repair. The investigation found no technical anomalies and attributed the accident to excessive reduction of engine power.

Accident Details

A special flight was operated from Pevek to Baranikha. The crew reported good weather at departure, with high cloud cover and visibility of 20 kilometers. As the flight approached Baranikha, weather conditions deteriorated. Visibility decreased to 5 kilometers due to snowfall. While descending to an altitude of 330 meters, the airplane struck a snow-covered hill. The impact tore off the left ski. The airplane continued for approximately a dozen yards before nosing down and coming to rest in the snow.

Occupant Status

Both pilots aboard the aircraft were uninjured. The aircraft itself was damaged beyond repair, with the left ski detached and the airframe compromised.

Investigation and Probable Cause

Investigators examined the wreckage and found no technical anomalies on the aircraft, its engine, or any equipment. The probable cause was identified as the pilot reducing engine power too much during the approach, which caused a loss of speed and height, resulting in the collision with the terrain.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 21 Feb 1966 Antonov AN-2 accident near Baranikha, Russia?

A special flight from Pevek to Baranikha struck a snow-covered hill during approach in deteriorating visibility, tearing off the left ski. Both pilots were uninjured but the aircraft was damaged beyond repair. The investigation found no technical anomalies and attributed the accident to excessive reduction of engine…

Were there any fatalities in the 21 Feb 1966 Antonov AN-2 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 21 Feb 1966 involved an Antonov AN-2, registration CCCP-79943, operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines, at Baranikha, Russia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot reduced too much the engine power on approach, causing the airplane to lose speed and height.