Fatal aircraft accident near Shelopugino

4 fatalities • Shelopugino, Russia • Flight

An unauthorized local flight departing from Shelopugino resulted in a fatal crash after the aircraft entered an aerodynamic stall during hazardous maneuvers.

What happened

At 1807LT, an aircraft departed from Shelopugino for an unauthorized local flight carrying three pilots and one passenger. Shortly after takeoff, the pilot-in-command began flying along the Turov River at altitudes ranging between 100 and 150 meters. During this period, the pilot performed dangerous maneuvers that caused the airplane to climb into a high nose-up attitude. This maneuver resulted in an aerodynamic stall, causing the aircraft to plunge toward the ground. The plane struck the earth at a vertical 90-degree angle approximately 10 km south of Shelopugino. The impact caused the total destruction of the aircraft and resulted in four fatalities.

Findings

Investigations into the crash identified significant impairment among the occupants. It was determined that the pilot-in-command, the pilot supervisor, and the passenger were all under the influence of alcohol at the time of the accident. Specifically, blood analysis showed a concentration of 2.3‰ in the pilot-in-command, 1‰ in the pilot supervisor, and 1.2‰ in the passenger. The co-pilot was found to be sober.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by the pilot-in-command performing hazardous maneuvers while heavily intoxicated.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1981-05-31 Antonov AN-2 accident near Shelopugino, Russia?

An unauthorized local flight departing from Shelopugino resulted in a fatal crash after the aircraft entered an aerodynamic stall during hazardous maneuvers.

Were there any fatalities in the 1981-05-31 Antonov AN-2 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 4 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1981-05-31 involved a Antonov AN-2, registration CCCP-55617, operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines, at Shelopugino, Russia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by the pilot-in-command performing hazardous maneuvers while heavily intoxicated.

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