2 fatalities

Two Pilots Killed in Crop Spraying Accident After Loss of Control (CCCP-70889)

Tonkeris, KazakhstanFlight

On July 7, 1962, an Antonov AN-2 (registration CCCP-70889) operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Tonkeris, Kazakhstan in flight. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The crew failed to prepare the flight properly and did not proceed to a preflight check of the spraying area. However, the exact cause of the loss of control remains unclear. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 5 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

During an eighth rotation of a crop spraying mission on a rice field, the aircraft lost control after a right turn and crashed upside down, killing both pilots. Investigators cited inadequate preflight preparation.

Accident Description

The crew was engaged in a crop spraying mission over a rice field owned by the Tonkeris kolkhoz. After completing seven operations successfully, they prepared for an eighth rotation. The aircraft flew straight-in over a few hundred yards at low height before the pilot-in-command initiated a right turn. During this turn, control was lost. The airplane subsequently crashed in a field and came to rest inverted. Both pilots were killed in the accident.

Investigation and Probable Cause

The official investigation determined that the crew failed to properly prepare for the flight and did not conduct a preflight check of the spraying area. However, the exact cause of the loss of control remains unclear. No additional causal factors were identified in the report.