1 fatality

Crop Spraying Aircraft Accident Near Kursk (CCCP-33170)

Kursk, RussiaTakeoff (climb)

On April 17, 1976, an Antonov AN-2 (registration CCCP-33170) operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Kursk, Russia during takeoff. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Premature liftoff on part of the pilot-in-command. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A crop spraying aircraft crashed near Besedino, Kursk district, after stalling at low altitude during takeoff. The pilot was killed and the second occupant seriously injured. Official findings attributed the accident to premature liftoff.

Accident Details

On a crop spraying flight for the kolkhoz (collective farm) "Oktyabr", an aircraft departed from Besedino in the Kursk district of the Kursk region. During takeoff, the crew lifted off at low speed after a ground run of 300 metres. The crew had neglected the influence of a tailwind and crosswind. The aircraft stalled at a height of approximately 10 to 15 metres and subsequently crashed 235 metres behind the runway threshold. The accident site was located about 15 kilometres east of Kursk.

Injuries

The pilot was killed in the accident. The second occupant sustained serious injuries.

Probable Cause

The official investigation determined that the probable cause of the accident was a premature liftoff on the part of the pilot-in-command.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 17 Apr 1976 Antonov AN-2 accident near Kursk, Russia?

A crop spraying aircraft crashed near Besedino, Kursk district, after stalling at low altitude during takeoff. The pilot was killed and the second occupant seriously injured. Official findings attributed the accident to premature liftoff.

Were there any fatalities in the 17 Apr 1976 Antonov AN-2 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 17 Apr 1976 involved an Antonov AN-2, registration CCCP-33170, operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines, at Kursk, Russia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Premature liftoff on part of the pilot-in-command.