On August 15, 1991, an Antonov AN-26 (registration 51) operated by Soviet Air Force - Voyenno-vozdushnye sily CCCP was involved in an aviation accident near Petrel-Burevestnik (Iturup Island, Kuril Islands), Russia during takeoff. 9 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The instructions transmitted by local ATC to the crew were non compliant with the published procedures as all crew/aircraft must follow a right turn after departure. 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.
A KGB/Border Guard flight from Petrel-Burevestnik Airport to Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk struck Mount Medvezhonok after ATC instructed a left turn, contrary to published procedures. All nine occupants were killed.
Accident Overview
On a flight from Petrel-Burevestnik Airport to Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, an aircraft operated on behalf of the KGB/Border Guard carried three passengers and six crew members. During the climb after takeoff, air traffic control (ATC) instructed the crew to initiate a left turn. The aircraft subsequently struck the slope of Mount Medvezhonok. The wreckage was located approximately 10 metres below the summit. All nine occupants were killed in the accident.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined that the instructions transmitted by local ATC to the crew were non-compliant with published procedures. According to standard departure procedures, all crew and aircraft were required to execute a right turn after departure. The ATC directive for a left turn deviated from these established protocols.
What happened in the 15 Aug 1991 Antonov AN-26 accident near Petrel-Burevestnik (Iturup Island, Kuril Islands), Russia?
A KGB/Border Guard flight from Petrel-Burevestnik Airport to Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk struck Mount Medvezhonok after ATC instructed a left turn, contrary to published procedures. All nine occupants were killed.
Were there any fatalities in the 15 Aug 1991 Antonov AN-26 accident?
The accident was fatal, resulting in 9 fatalities.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 15 Aug 1991 involved an Antonov AN-26, registration 51, operated by Soviet Air Force - Voyenno-vozdushnye sily CCCP, at Petrel-Burevestnik (Iturup Island, Kuril Islands), Russia.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The instructions transmitted by local ATC to the crew were non compliant with the published procedures as all crew/aircraft must follow a right turn after departure.
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