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43 fatalities

Aircraft Crash at Liepaja Airport (CCCP-46215)

Liepaja, LatviaLanding (descent or approach)

On December 30, 1967, an Antonov AN-24 (registration CCCP-46215) operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Liepaja, Latvia during landing or approach. 43 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Failure of the left engine for undetermined reason, maybe due the failure of a turbine component. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 6 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

During a go-around at Liepaja Airport, a left engine failure caused the aircraft to bank left, lose altitude, and crash into a snow-covered field, killing 43 of 51 occupants.

Incident Overview On final approach to Liepaja Airport, the crew was unable to locate the runway or approach lights while at an altitude of 300 meters and a speed of 300 km/h. The captain initiated a go-around and increased engine power, at which point the left engine failed. The aircraft banked left to an angle of 40 degrees. Due to high drag, it lost height and struck the snow-covered ground 1,800 meters past the outer marker. The aircraft bounced and struck a telegraphic pole, which tore off three meters of the left wing. Out of control, it continued for 1,410 meters before crashing in flames in an open field. Eight occupants survived while 43 others were killed. The aircraft was destroyed.

Probable cause

Failure of the left engine for undetermined reason, maybe due the failure of a turbine component.
Engine failure

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 30 Dec 1967 Antonov AN-24 accident near Liepaja, Latvia?

During a go-around at Liepaja Airport, a left engine failure caused the aircraft to bank left, lose altitude, and crash into a snow-covered field, killing 43 of 51 occupants.

Were there any fatalities in the 30 Dec 1967 Antonov AN-24 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 43 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 30 Dec 1967 involved an Antonov AN-24, registration CCCP-46215, operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines, at Liepaja, Latvia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Failure of the left engine for undetermined reason, maybe due the failure of a turbine component.

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