Aircraft crash near Kenkiyak during approach in low visibility

3 fatalities • Kenkiyak, Kazakhstan • Landing (descent or approach)

A flight traveling from Baiganin to Aktyubinsk crashed into a hillside 18 km southwest of Kenkiyak after the crew attempted to descend through fog and low clouds.

What happened

During a flight operating between Baiganin and Aktyubinsk, an aircraft was performing a leg from Baiganin toward Kenkiyak when it encountered weather conditions that fell below established minimums. The flight was obscured by heavy fog and low-lying cloud cover. Rather than aborting the approach and returning to the departure point at Baiganin, the crew proceeded with a descent.

While navigating through these visibility constraints, the aircraft struck a hill measuring 288 metres in height. The impact occurred at an altitude of approximately 273 metres, roughly 18 km southwest of Kenkiyak. The collision resulted in the total destruction of the aircraft. The accident resulted in three fatalities, including the copilot and two passengers. Additionally, the captain sustained serious injuries, while the remaining passengers on board suffered minor injuries.

Findings

Investigations into the accident identified that the crew chose to maintain their descent toward Kenkiyak despite being aware of weather conditions below legal minimums. A significant contributing factor was that the meteorological information provided to the flight crew was inaccurate; the reports were overly optimistic and failed to reflect the true severity of the fog and cloud cover present at the time of the approach.

Probable cause

The crew's decision to continue a descent into below-minimum visibility, compounded by inaccurate weather reporting that underestimated the actual conditions.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1964-01-25 Antonov AN-2 accident near Kenkiyak, Kazakhstan?

A flight traveling from Baiganin to Aktyubinsk crashed into a hillside 18 km southwest of Kenkiyak after the crew attempted to descend through fog and low clouds.

Were there any fatalities in the 1964-01-25 Antonov AN-2 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 3 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1964-01-25 involved a Antonov AN-2, registration CCCP-13651, operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines, at Kenkiyak, Kazakhstan.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The crew's decision to continue a descent into below-minimum visibility, compounded by inaccurate weather reporting that underestimated the actual conditions.

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