No fatalities

Aircraft nose-over and fire during takeoff near Tukalan River (CCCP-N565)

Tukalan River, RussiaTakeoff (climb)

On September 18, 1951, an Antonov AN-2 (registration CCCP-N565) operated by Polyarnaya Aviatsiya was involved in an aviation accident near Tukalan River, Russia during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft's landing gear became trapped in soft ground during the takeoff roll, leading to a nose-over and fire. 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 2026-06-14Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft sustained total loss after becoming stuck in soft ground during a takeoff roll on a positioning flight.

What happened

During a positioning flight originating from the Tukalan River toward a remote destination, an incident occurred during the initial stages of departure. As the aircraft began its takeoff run, the landing gear became embedded in soft terrain.

This loss of momentum caused the aircraft to pitch forward, resulting in a nose-over maneuver. Following the impact with the ground, the airframe caught fire. The two crew members on board were able to evacuate the wreckage safely and sustained zero fatalities or injuries during the event.

While the occupants escaped without harm, the aircraft was completely destroyed by the subsequent flames.

Probable cause

The aircraft's landing gear became trapped in soft ground during the takeoff roll, leading to a nose-over and fire.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 18 Sept 1951 Antonov AN-2 accident near Tukalan River, Russia?

An aircraft sustained total loss after becoming stuck in soft ground during a takeoff roll on a positioning flight.

Were there any fatalities in the 18 Sept 1951 Antonov AN-2 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 18 Sept 1951 involved an Antonov AN-2, registration CCCP-N565, operated by Polyarnaya Aviatsiya, at Tukalan River, Russia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft's landing gear became trapped in soft ground during the takeoff roll, leading to a nose-over and fire.