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2 fatalities

Collision with Snow Hill During Night Training at Batagay Airport (CCCP-23740)

Batagay, RussiaLanding (descent or approach)

On January 3, 1964, an Antonov AN-2 (registration CCCP-23740) operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Batagay, Russia during landing or approach. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Poor flight preparation on part of the flying crew who conducted the training mission without the appropriate flying charts. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During a night training mission at Batagay Airport, an aircraft struck a snow hill short of the runway, leading to its destruction and the deaths of both pilots. Visibility had dropped from 7 to 4 km due to snow showers.

Accident Overview

On the night of the accident, the crew was conducting a local training mission at Batagay Airport. After completing three uneventful circuits, the crew initiated a fourth approach. The visibility at the time was reduced to 4 km due to snow showers.

Circumstances

During the final approach, the aircraft struck the slope of a snow hill located 2,200 meters short of the runway and 205 meters to the right of its extended centerline. The aircraft was destroyed and both pilots were killed. Shortly before the accident, the visibility had decreased from 7 to 4 km.

Probable Cause

The official investigation identified the probable cause as poor flight preparation on the part of the flying crew, who conducted the training mission without the appropriate flying charts. Additionally, there was a lack of assistance from the air traffic control at Batagay Airport Tower, which failed to transmit information about the deterioration of the weather conditions.

Controlled flight into terrain

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 3 Jan 1964 Antonov AN-2 accident near Batagay, Russia?

During a night training mission at Batagay Airport, an aircraft struck a snow hill short of the runway, leading to its destruction and the deaths of both pilots. Visibility had dropped from 7 to 4 km due to snow showers.

Were there any fatalities in the 3 Jan 1964 Antonov AN-2 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 2 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 3 Jan 1964 involved an Antonov AN-2, registration CCCP-23740, operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines, at Batagay, Russia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Poor flight preparation on part of the flying crew who conducted the training mission without the appropriate flying charts. Lack of assistance on part of the ATC at Batagay Airport Tower who failed to transmit information about the deterioration of the weather conditions.

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