Fatal aircraft collision with electric pylon during agricultural spraying mission

2 fatalities • Krasnaya Polyana, Ukraine • Flight

An aircraft crashed into an electric pylon while performing pesticide spraying operations, resulting in the deaths of both occupants.

What happened

On a day involving local agricultural operations, an aircraft was conducting a series of low-altitude missions to spray pesticides across vineyards. The flight, which included a pilot and an agronomist, had successfully completed its first two circuits starting at 1505LT.

During the third circuit of the mission, the aircraft was flying at a low altitude when the pilot attempted to maneuver around power cables. During this evasive action, the aircraft struck an electric pylon while traveling at a speed of 163 km/h. The impact caused the plane to crash and subsequently burst into flames.

There were two fatalities recorded as both the pilot and the passenger died in the accident.

Findings

Investigations into the crash concluded that the primary factor was an unintentional loss of altitude. This descent was attributed to the pilot being distracted and failing to maintain adequate attention to the flight path during the operation.

Probable cause

The accident occurred because the pilot's lack of sufficient attention led to an inadvertent loss of altitude during the mission.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1979-07-03 Antonov AN-2 accident near Krasnaya Polyana, Ukraine?

An aircraft crashed into an electric pylon while performing pesticide spraying operations, resulting in the deaths of both occupants.

Were there any fatalities in the 1979-07-03 Antonov AN-2 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 2 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1979-07-03 involved a Antonov AN-2, registration CCCP-02330, operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines, at Krasnaya Polyana, Ukraine.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident occurred because the pilot's lack of sufficient attention led to an inadvertent loss of altitude during the mission.

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