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9 fatalities

Cargo Flight from Biisk to Alma-Ata Ends in Mountain Collision (CCCP-26007)

Almaty, KazakhstanFlight

On March 6, 1987, an Antonov AN-26 (registration CCCP-26007) operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Almaty, Kazakhstan in flight. 9 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The accident was the consequence of a controlled flight into terrain. Contributing factors included the flying crew failing to follow ATC instructions, poor radio communication quality during the last two minutes prior to the accident probably due to the… 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

A cargo aircraft crashed into a mountainside 56 km east of Alma-Ata Airport, killing all nine occupants. The official investigation attributed the accident to a controlled flight into terrain.

Incident Overview and Crew Complement The aircraft was operating a cargo flight from Biisk to Alma-Ata. On board were four passengers, including a loadmaster, and five crew members. The cargo consisted of 3,600 kilograms of various goods. ## Descent and Communication Challenges Approximately 70 kilometers from the destination, air traffic control authorized the crew to descend from 6,000 meters to 3,600 meters. At that time, weather conditions were marginal, characterized by limited visibility and a low ceiling. During the descent, several radio contacts were established between air traffic control and the pilots, but most transmissions were inaudible. The crew continued the descent without knowing their exact position and without visual contact with ground obstacles. ## Impact and Aftermath At 1908 local time, the aircraft struck the slope of a mountain that is 2,370 meters high. The impact occurred 56 kilometers east of Alma-Ata Airport. The wreckage was discovered 22 meters below the summit, and all nine occupants were killed.

Probable cause

The accident was the consequence of a controlled flight into terrain. Contributing factors included the flying crew failing to follow ATC instructions, poor radio communication quality during the last two minutes prior to the accident probably due to the mountain range, and lack of ATC assistance.
Controlled flight into terrain

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Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 6 Mar 1987 Antonov AN-26 accident near Almaty, Kazakhstan?

A cargo aircraft crashed into a mountainside 56 km east of Alma-Ata Airport, killing all nine occupants. The official investigation attributed the accident to a controlled flight into terrain.

Were there any fatalities in the 6 Mar 1987 Antonov AN-26 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 9 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 6 Mar 1987 involved an Antonov AN-26, registration CCCP-26007, operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines, at Almaty, Kazakhstan.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was the consequence of a controlled flight into terrain. Contributing factors included the flying crew failing to follow ATC instructions, poor radio communication quality during the last two minutes prior to the accident probably due to the mountain range, and lack of ATC assistance.

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