No fatalities

Engine Failure Prompts Belly Landing Near Mary Airport (CCCP-46552)

Mary, TurkmenistanFlight

On October 6, 1968, an Antonov AN-24 (registration CCCP-46552) operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Mary, Turkmenistan in flight. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Engine failure in flight. 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)Source recordUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

Shortly after takeoff from Mary Airport, a cruising aircraft experienced an engine failure. The crew informed ATC and were cleared to return, but unable to reach the runway, executed a belly landing in a field. No injuries occurred; the aircraft was written off.

Incident Overview

Minutes after departing from Mary Airport, while cruising at an altitude of 4,200 meters, the crew of the aircraft reported an engine failure to air traffic control (ATC). ATC cleared the flight to return to Mary Airport for a safe landing.

Descent and Landing

During the descent toward Mary Airport, the crew determined they could not reach the airport. They elected to perform a belly landing in an open field. The aircraft slid for several yards across the terrain before coming to rest.

Outcome

No injuries were sustained by anyone on board. However, the aircraft sustained substantial damage and was subsequently written off.

Probable Cause

The official investigation identified the probable cause as an engine failure in flight.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 6 Oct 1968 Antonov AN-24 accident near Mary, Turkmenistan?

Shortly after takeoff from Mary Airport, a cruising aircraft experienced an engine failure. The crew informed ATC and were cleared to return, but unable to reach the runway, executed a belly landing in a field. No injuries occurred; the aircraft was written off.

Were there any fatalities in the 6 Oct 1968 Antonov AN-24 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 6 Oct 1968 involved an Antonov AN-24, registration CCCP-46552, operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines, at Mary, Turkmenistan.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Engine failure in flight.