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13 fatalities

Aircraft Crash at Minsk-1 Airport in Icing Conditions (CCCP-46807)

Minsk-Loshitsa (Minsk-1), BelarusLanding (descent or approach)

On January 15, 1979, an Antonov AN-24 (registration CCCP-46807) operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Minsk-Loshitsa (Minsk-1), Belarus during landing or approach. 13 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Premature deactivation of the deicing systems while completing an approach in icing conditions with flaps deployed at 38°, causing longitudinal instability and loss of controllability; flight tests for longitudinal stability and controllability in icing… 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 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft crashed in a snow-covered field 5,280 m short of the Minsk-1 runway threshold during an approach in poor weather and icing. Eleven occupants were killed, and two of three seriously injured survivors later died.

Accident Overview and Immediate Outcome The approach to Minsk-1 Airport began in poor weather, with a low ceiling, limited visibility, and icing conditions. On final approach, the aircraft was in a slight nose-down attitude and traveling at 140 km/h when it struck the ground. It crashed in a snow-covered field located 5,280 meters short of the runway threshold. The aircraft was totally destroyed upon impact. ## Casualties Three passengers were seriously injured, while 11 other occupants were killed. A few hours later, two of the three survivors died from their injuries. ## Official Probable Cause The official investigation determined that the accident resulted from a premature deactivation of the deicing systems while completing an approach in icing conditions with flaps deployed at 38°. This caused the aircraft to become unstable on its longitudinal axis and uncontrollable. The findings also noted that various flight tests to determine longitudinal stability and controllability characteristics during flight in icing conditions had not been carried out.

Icing

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 15 Jan 1979 Antonov AN-24 accident near Minsk-Loshitsa (Minsk-1), Belarus?

An aircraft crashed in a snow-covered field 5,280 m short of the Minsk-1 runway threshold during an approach in poor weather and icing. Eleven occupants were killed, and two of three seriously injured survivors later died.

Were there any fatalities in the 15 Jan 1979 Antonov AN-24 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 13 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 15 Jan 1979 involved an Antonov AN-24, registration CCCP-46807, operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines, at Minsk-Loshitsa (Minsk-1), Belarus.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Premature deactivation of the deicing systems while completing an approach in icing conditions with flaps deployed at 38°, causing longitudinal instability and loss of controllability; flight tests for longitudinal stability and controllability in icing conditions had not been carried out.

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