Aircraft crash in Skalisty khrebet mountain range

14 fatalities • Psebai, Russia • Landing (descent or approach)

A flight from Krasnodar crashed into a wooded mountainside near Psebai after encountering heavy rain and low visibility during its approach.

What happened

During an approach to Psebai, an aircraft traveling from Krasnodar encountered weather conditions that fell below established minimums. The flight was experiencing significant reductions in visibility due to ongoing rainfall. While the crew attempted to execute a return maneuver, the aircraft struck treetops at an altitude of approximately 1,050 meters.

The impact occurred on a forested slope within the Skalisty khrebet mountain range, situated roughly 7.5 km northeast of Psebai. The wreckage of the flight was not located until August 31. The accident resulted in 14 fatalities, with no survivors among the occupants.

Findings

Investigations into the crash identified that the aircraft was operating in weather conditions that did not meet safety minimums. A primary contributing factor was that the decision to abort the approach and return was made too late to avoid the terrain. Additionally, it was noted that the meteorological data provided to the crew was overly optimistic and did not accurately represent the actual visibility and weather conditions present at the time of the accident.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by operating in low-visibility weather conditions following the receipt of inaccurate, overly optimistic meteorological reports.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1968-08-03 Antonov AN-2 accident near Psebai, Russia?

A flight from Krasnodar crashed into a wooded mountainside near Psebai after encountering heavy rain and low visibility during its approach.

Were there any fatalities in the 1968-08-03 Antonov AN-2 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 14 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1968-08-03 involved a Antonov AN-2, registration CCCP-01118, operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines, at Psebai, Russia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by operating in low-visibility weather conditions following the receipt of inaccurate, overly optimistic meteorological reports.

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