No fatalities

Arctic Supply Mission Aircraft Pitches Down on Approach, Destroyed by Fire (CCCP-N140)

Arctic, WorldLanding (descent or approach)

On May 8, 1954, an Antonov AN-2 (registration CCCP-N140) operated by Polyarnaya Aviatsiya was involved in an aviation accident near Arctic, World during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: It is believed that the loss of control on final was apparently the result of an error on part of a crew member who mistakenly activated the reverse thrust system, causing the aircraft to pitch down and crash. 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

A supply aircraft crashed on approach to an Arctic expedition camp near the North Pole, pitching down from 15 meters and catching fire. All five occupants evacuated with minor injuries; reverse thrust system misactivation cited as cause.

Incident Overview

A supply mission aircraft crashed while approaching the Arctic expedition 'Sever', located on a drifting ice floe near the North Pole at coordinates N89.1500 W90.0000. During the final approach, at a height of approximately 15 meters, the aircraft unexpectedly pitched down and impacted the ice, subsequently catching fire. The aircraft was quickly destroyed by the ensuing blaze.

Occupants and Injuries

All five occupants on board were able to evacuate the cabin. According to the investigation, they sustained minor injuries as a result of the crash.

Probable Cause

The official investigation determined that the loss of control during final approach was apparently caused by an error on the part of a crew member. The crew member mistakenly activated the reverse thrust system, which led to the aircraft pitching down and crashing.

Aircraft Details

The source does not specify the aircraft type, registration, engine count, or operator. No information regarding the time of day, weather conditions, or air traffic control involvement was provided.

Conclusion

The accident resulted in the complete destruction of the aircraft by fire, with all occupants sustaining minor injuries. The investigation attributed the accident to the inadvertent activation of the reverse thrust system during approach.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 8 May 1954 Antonov AN-2 accident near Arctic, World?

A supply aircraft crashed on approach to an Arctic expedition camp near the North Pole, pitching down from 15 meters and catching fire. All five occupants evacuated with minor injuries; reverse thrust system misactivation cited as cause.

Were there any fatalities in the 8 May 1954 Antonov AN-2 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 8 May 1954 involved an Antonov AN-2, registration CCCP-N140, operated by Polyarnaya Aviatsiya, at Arctic, World.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

It is believed that the loss of control on final was apparently the result of an error on part of a crew member who mistakenly activated the reverse thrust system, causing the aircraft to pitch down and crash.