53 fatalities

1969-04-02: Antonov AN-24 (SP-LTF) — LOT Polish Airlines - Polskie Linie Lotnicze — Zawoja, Poland

Zawoja, PolandLanding (descent or approach)

On April 2, 1969, an Antonov AN-24 (registration SP-LTF) operated by LOT Polish Airlines - Polskie Linie Lotnicze was involved in an aviation accident near Zawoja, Poland during landing or approach. 53 people were killed. 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)Primary reportUpdated 1781237715Data APIEditorial standards

While descending to Kraków-Balice Airport in heavy snow, the aircraft struck trees and crashed on Mt Polica. All 53 occupants were killed. The wreckage was found 150 meters below the summit.

Incident

During descent to Kraków-Balice Airport, the flight crew encountered poor weather conditions characterized by heavy snowfall and limited visibility. While at an altitude of 1,200 meters, the aircraft struck trees and subsequently crashed in a dense wooded area on Mt Polica, which is located in the Babia Gora Mountain Range near Zawoja.

Location

The crash site was situated approximately 150 meters below the summit of Mt Polica. Due to the heavy snowfall, the crew could not see the mountain, and at the time of the accident the aircraft was slightly off its intended flight path.

Aftermath

The wreckage was discovered a few hours after the accident. All 53 occupants on board the aircraft died as a result of the crash.