Fatal aircraft accident near Dhzigda

3 fatalities • Dhzigda, Russia • Takeoff (climb)

A flight departing from Dhzigda crashed into a wooded area after the pilot lost control during night operations, resulting in three fatalities.

What happened

A flight scheduled to depart from Dhzigda experienced a delay due to malfunctions within the aircraft's heating system. This technical issue caused the departure to be pushed back until after sunset. Around 20:30 local time, despite conditions of limited visibility, the pilot proceeded with takeoff.

Shortly after leaving the ground, the aircraft type (unspecified) maintained a low altitude and began a slight rightward turn. During this phase, the pilot lost control of the plane. The aircraft entered a right bank of approximately 25 degrees before stalling. The impact occurred at a speed of 220 km/h in a forested area situated roughly 3.5 km from the airfield. Search teams located the wreckage two days after the event. There were three fatalities among the occupants.

Findings

Investigations into the crash identified several contributing factors. The pilot experienced spatial disorientation during the flight. It was noted that the decision to operate at night was made using an aircraft that lacked the necessary equipment for night flying, and neither the departure nor the arrival airport were properly equipped for nocturnal operations.

Additionally, the failure of the onboard heating system may have impacted the pilot's performance due to extreme cold within the cockpit. Investigators also considered the possibility that the low temperatures caused a malfunction in the artificial horizon instrument.

Probable cause

The pilot suffered spatial disorientation during a night flight in an aircraft and airport not equipped for such operations, potentially exacerbated by cockpit freezing temperatures.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1964-02-09 Antonov AN-2 accident near Dhzigda, Russia?

A flight departing from Dhzigda crashed into a wooded area after the pilot lost control during night operations, resulting in three fatalities.

Were there any fatalities in the 1964-02-09 Antonov AN-2 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 3 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1964-02-09 involved a Antonov AN-2, registration CCCP-55541, operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines, at Dhzigda, Russia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot suffered spatial disorientation during a night flight in an aircraft and airport not equipped for such operations, potentially exacerbated by cockpit freezing temperatures.

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