Ferry flight crash near Kutaisi

2 fatalities • Kutaisi, Georgia • Flight

A crewed ferry flight crashed into mountainous terrain north of Kutaisi after encountering deteriorating weather conditions during descent.

What happened

Following the disembarkation of all passengers at Tsagueri Airport, a ferry flight commenced its return journey to Kutaisi at 18:39 local time. During the transit, meteorological conditions deteriorated significantly. As the aircraft type approached a mountain at an altitude of approximately 850 meters, the crew entered a cloud layer that obscured the terrain.

The aircraft subsequently impacted treetops and caught fire within a forested region situated roughly 24 km north of Kutaisi. The impact resulted in the total destruction of the plane and two fatalities involving the crew members on board.

Findings

Investigations into the accident identified that the descent was initiated before it was safe to do so. This error was compounded by a lack of sufficient support from Air Traffic Control, which failed to supply the necessary weather-related information to the pilots. Ultimately, the crash was the result of controlled flight into terrain.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by an unauthorized premature descent and inadequate weather updates from air traffic controllers leading to controlled flight into terrain.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1962-06-20 Antonov AN-2 accident near Kutaisi, Georgia?

A crewed ferry flight crashed into mountainous terrain north of Kutaisi after encountering deteriorating weather conditions during descent.

Were there any fatalities in the 1962-06-20 Antonov AN-2 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 2 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1962-06-20 involved a Antonov AN-2, registration CCCP-32619, operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines, at Kutaisi, Georgia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by an unauthorized premature descent and inadequate weather updates from air traffic controllers leading to controlled flight into terrain.

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