6 fatalities

Night Test Flight Accident at Kazantip Bay

Azov Sea, UkraineFlight

On March 13, 1989, an Antonov AN-26 operated by Soviet Air Force - Voyenno-vozdushnye sily CCCP was involved in an aviation accident near Azov Sea, Ukraine in flight. 6 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Bird strike. 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 2026-06-11Data APIEditorial standards

During a night test flight from Bagerovo Airbase, a bird struck the aircraft, shattering the cockpit windshield. The pilot was disabled, and the aircraft crashed into Kazantip Bay, killing all six crew members.

Incident Overview and Location Details The incident occurred during a night test flight that originated from Bagerovo Airbase. While the aircraft was flying at a low altitude over the Sea of Azov, a bird collided with the airframe. The impact caused the cockpit windshield to shatter. Following the bird strike, the pilot was disabled, which led to the aircraft descending and ultimately crashing into Kazantip Bay near cape Chagany. All six crew members on board were killed in the accident. The official investigation identified the bird strike as the probable cause of the crash. No additional details regarding the aircraft type, registration, date, or operator were provided in the source material.