Single-engine aircraft crash into Lena River near Yakutsk

1 fatality • Yakutsk, Russia • Takeoff (climb)

A single-engine aircraft crashed into the Lena River during its initial climb, resulting in one fatality among the four crew members.

What happened

During a takeoff maneuver near the Lena River in the Yakutsk region, a single-engine aircraft experienced a sudden loss of stability. While the aircraft was ascending to an altitude between 50 and 60 meters, it entered a steep left bank of 65 degrees accompanied by a 25-degree nose-down pitch. The plane subsequently impacted the surface of the Lena River approximately 200 meters from the shoreline.

Following the impact, all four crew members managed to exit the cabin. However, the evacuation was not entirely successful; while three individuals reached the safety of the shore, the flight engineer succumbed to drowning during the incident.

Findings

Investigations into the accident determined that the aircraft suffered a loss of control due to locked ailerons. The investigation concluded that the crew did not sufficiently prepare the aircraft for flight, initiating the takeoff sequence while the aileron controls were in a locked state.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by the crew beginning the takeoff procedure with the ailerons locked, leading to an unrecoverable loss of control during the climb.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1951-08-20 Antonov AN-2 accident near Yakutsk, Russia?

A single-engine aircraft crashed into the Lena River during its initial climb, resulting in one fatality among the four crew members.

Were there any fatalities in the 1951-08-20 Antonov AN-2 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1951-08-20 involved a Antonov AN-2, registration CCCP-N566, operated by Polyarnaya Aviatsiya, at Yakutsk, Russia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by the crew beginning the takeoff procedure with the ailerons locked, leading to an unrecoverable loss of control during the climb.

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