15 fatalities

Collision of Flight SU397 and Aeroflot AN-2TP Near Tavda (CCCP-15925)

Tavda, RussiaFlight

On May 7, 1977, an Antonov AN-2 (registration CCCP-15925) operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Tavda, Russia in flight. 15 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The in-flight collision was the consequence of a lack of ATC assistance and the fact that both crew were flying under VFR mode in adverse weather conditions. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards

A single-engine aircraft on flight SU397 collided with an Aeroflot PZL-Mielec AN-2TP near Tavda. Both aircraft crashed, killing all 29 occupants. The collision was attributed to lack of ATC assistance and VFR flight in adverse weather.

Incident

On an unspecified date, a single-engine airplane operating as flight SU397 from Tyumen to Tavda was approaching Tavda from the south. The aircraft carried 13 passengers and two pilots. At the same time, an Aeroflot PZL-Mielec AN-2TP registered CCCP-44992 had just departed Tavda Airport minutes earlier on a service from Tavda to Tyumen, with 14 people on board. While at an estimated altitude of 175 meters, the two aircraft collided in mid-air.

Weather Conditions

The crew of flight SU397 encountered marginal weather conditions during their approach. Reports indicated rain, limited visibility of 2 km, and low clouds.

Collision and Crash

Following the collision, both aircraft lost control, entered a dive, and crashed in flames in an open field located 18 km south of Tavda. The wreckages were found 392 meters apart. All 29 occupants on both aircraft were killed.

Investigation

The official investigation determined the probable cause of the accident. The in-flight collision was the consequence of a lack of ATC assistance and the fact that both crews were flying under VFR mode in adverse weather conditions.