10 fatalities

Aircraft Collision with Terrain Near Novoselovo (CCCP-70953)

Novoselovo, RussiaFlight

On September 29, 1974, an Antonov AN-2 (registration CCCP-70953) operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Novoselovo, Russia in flight. 10 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The crew was flying under VFR mode in adverse weather conditions (snow falls) when the airplane struck the ground. A poor flight preparation was considered as a contributing factor. 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

An aircraft struck hilly terrain near Novoselovo shortly after departing Koma in poor weather. Ten occupants, including both pilots, were killed, and three passengers were injured.

Incident Overview and Casualties An aircraft departed Koma at 0706 local time, bound for Novoselovo, and encountered poor weather conditions with limited visibility due to snowfall shortly after takeoff. Approximately six minutes after departure, the aircraft collided with hilly terrain near Novoselovo. The wreckage was located later in the afternoon. The accident resulted in the deaths of ten occupants, including both pilots, while three passengers sustained injuries. ## Official Findings The official investigation determined that the crew was operating under visual flight rules (VFR) in adverse weather conditions when the aircraft struck the ground. The report noted that a cold front was expected to pass later that day, and the crew had not been informed of such en-route conditions. Poor flight preparation was identified as a contributing factor.

Probable cause

The crew was flying under VFR mode in adverse weather conditions (snow falls) when the airplane struck the ground. A poor flight preparation was considered as a contributing factor.