Fatal crop spraying accident involving An-2 aircraft

2 fatalities • Tonkeris, Kazakhstan • Flight

A dual-pilot crew lost control of an An-2 aircraft during a rice field spraying mission, resulting in a fatal crash.

What happened

During a scheduled agricultural mission at the Tonkeris kolkhoz, an An-2 was performing crop spraying operations over a rice field. The crew had successfully finished seven passes across the area and were beginning their eighth rotation. While flying at a low altitude in a straight line, the pilot attempted to execute a right-hand turn. During this maneuver, the aircraft experienced a sudden loss of control. The plane struck the ground and settled in an inverted position.

There were two fatalities resulting from the impact, as both members of the flight crew perished in the accident.

Findings

Investigations into the crash indicated that the crew had not adequately prepared for the flight. Specifically, the investigation noted a failure to conduct a proper preflight assessment of the spraying area prior to commencing operations. While these procedural lapses were identified, the specific mechanical or aerodynamic reason for the loss of control during the turn was not definitively established.

Probable cause

The crew failed to perform necessary preflight checks of the operational area and lacked adequate flight preparation.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1962-07-07 Antonov AN-2 accident near Tonkeris, Kazakhstan?

A dual-pilot crew lost control of an An-2 aircraft during a rice field spraying mission, resulting in a fatal crash.

Were there any fatalities in the 1962-07-07 Antonov AN-2 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 2 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1962-07-07 involved a Antonov AN-2, registration CCCP-70889, operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines, at Tonkeris, Kazakhstan.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The crew failed to perform necessary preflight checks of the operational area and lacked adequate flight preparation.

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