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Unapproved Passengers Dropped Before Takeoff Accident in River (CCCP-15970)

Toko, RussiaTakeoff (climb)

On July 16, 1982, an Antonov AN-2 (registration CCCP-15970) operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Toko, Russia during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Poor judgment on part of the crew about the distance available at takeoff. Insufficient takeoff speed was a contributing factor as well as the uneven/rough terrain. 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)Source recordUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

An airplane stopped to drop two unauthorized passengers by a river, then attempted takeoff from insufficient distance, struck the river surface, and crashed inverted. Three occupants escaped uninjured.

Incident Details

A single-engine airplane departed Toko on a flight to Uchur. On board were three passengers and a crew of two, along with two unauthorized passengers who intended to be dropped by the River Algoma for fishing.

Sequence of Events

The crew landed and dropped both unauthorized passengers by the river. They then decided to take off again. The available takeoff distance was only 150–180 meters, which was insufficient. The aircraft's speed at takeoff was too low to achieve lift, causing it to strike the river surface. The airplane crashed inverted in shallow water.

Damage and Injuries

All three occupants escaped uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage beyond repair.

Probable Cause

Poor judgment on part of the crew about the distance available at takeoff. Insufficient takeoff speed was a contributing factor as well as the uneven/rough terrain.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 16 Jul 1982 Antonov AN-2 accident near Toko, Russia?

An airplane stopped to drop two unauthorized passengers by a river, then attempted takeoff from insufficient distance, struck the river surface, and crashed inverted. Three occupants escaped uninjured.

Were there any fatalities in the 16 Jul 1982 Antonov AN-2 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 16 Jul 1982 involved an Antonov AN-2, registration CCCP-15970, operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines, at Toko, Russia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Poor judgment on part of the crew about the distance available at takeoff. Insufficient takeoff speed was a contributing factor as well as the uneven/rough terrain.

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