Aircraft crash near Zaporozhye following power line collision

1 fatality • Mykhailivka, Ukraine • Takeoff (climb)

A three-person crew was involved in a fatal aviation accident near Mykhailivka after an aircraft collided with power lines during low-altitude flight.

What happened

Due to the ongoing military conflict in eastern Ukraine, an operational decision was made to relocate an aircraft from Zaporozhye to Uzhgorod. The flight departed from Zaporozhe Airport shortly before 10:00 local time with a crew of three. Shortly after the departure, the flight encountered heavy fog, which significantly reduced visibility.

While the aircraft was maintaining a very low altitude during the cruise phase, it struck a power line. The impact caused the plane to crash into an open field in the Mykhailivka region, situated approximately 10 km northwest of the departure airport. The impact resulted in one fatality and two injuries. The aircraft was completely destroyed during the event.

Findings

Investigation into the flight records revealed a significant period of inactivity for the flight crew prior to the accident. Within the 90 days leading up to the crash, the captain had only completed 85 minutes of flight time, while the flight engineer and the co-pilot had recorded no flight hours at all. The primary factor in the accident was the collision with power lines during periods of low visibility.

Probable cause

The aircraft struck power lines while flying at a low altitude in foggy conditions.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2022-04-22 Antonov AN-26 accident near Mykhailivka, Ukraine?

A three-person crew was involved in a fatal aviation accident near Mykhailivka after an aircraft collided with power lines during low-altitude flight.

Were there any fatalities in the 2022-04-22 Antonov AN-26 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2022-04-22 involved a Antonov AN-26, registration UR-UZB, operated by Constanta Airlines, at Mykhailivka, Ukraine.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft struck power lines while flying at a low altitude in foggy conditions.

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