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Aircraft crash in low visibility following encounter with downdrafts (CCCP-35420)

Nogliki, RussiaFlight

On April 18, 1988, an Antonov AN-2 (registration CCCP-35420) operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Nogliki, Russia in flight. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft encountered severe downdrafts while flying through low clouds, resulting in a collision with terrain. 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 2026-06-13Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft crashed into a hillside after encountering heavy downdrafts while flying through low cloud cover.

What happened

While performing an en route flight, the crew encountered significant weather disturbances characterized by low cloud layers and reduced visibility. During this period of degraded visual conditions, the aircraft was struck by powerful downdrafts. These atmospheric conditions led to the aircraft impacting a hillside.

At the time of the impact, the exact status of those on board remained undetermined, as the fate of all occupants is unknown. The sequence of events indicates that the transition from stable flight to the crash occurred while navigating through the obscured area.

Findings

  • The aircraft was operating in an environment with poor visibility due to low-altitude cloud cover.
  • The primary factor leading to the impact was the encounter with downdrafts during the flight.

Probable cause

The aircraft encountered severe downdrafts while flying through low clouds, resulting in a collision with terrain.
Weather

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 18 Apr 1988 Antonov AN-2 accident near Nogliki, Russia?

An aircraft crashed into a hillside after encountering heavy downdrafts while flying through low cloud cover.

Were there any fatalities in the 18 Apr 1988 Antonov AN-2 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 18 Apr 1988 involved an Antonov AN-2, registration CCCP-35420, operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines, at Nogliki, Russia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft encountered severe downdrafts while flying through low clouds, resulting in a collision with terrain.

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