On October 18, 1977, an Antonov AN-2 (registration CCCP-55625) operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Srednekolymsk, Russia during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The accident was the consequence of the engine misfiring as a result of a failure of the rear spark plug on cylinder n°2, caused by the central electrode falling out due to insulator destruction from a microcrack and internal stresses in manufacturing, which… 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.
After takeoff from Srednekolymsk Airport, the engine misfired at 150 meters, with power loss and fire from the right side. The crew attempted an emergency landing but accidentally turned off the battery, preventing flap deployment. The aircraft crash landed, broke in two, and was destroyed; all five occupants were rescued.
Incident
Shortly after takeoff from Srednekolymsk Airport, while climbing to 150 meters, the aircraft's engine began to misfire. Power dropped and flames were observed emanating from the right side of the engine. The crew decided to perform an emergency landing. However, in the process, they inadvertently switched off the battery, rendering them unable to lower the flaps. The airplane crash landed at high speed, during which it lost its undercarriage and lower wings. The aircraft came to a halt broken in two and was destroyed. All five occupants were quickly rescued.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined that the accident was the consequence of the engine misfiring due to a failure of the rear spark plug on cylinder n°2. This resulted from the central electrode falling out of the spark plug, followed by burning of its body in the cylindrical part near the turnkey hexagon. The electrode detachment was caused by destruction of the insulator, attributed to the formation of a microcrack and internal stresses during manufacture. According to the State Research Institute of Civil Aviation, this defect stemmed from faulty design and manufacturing processes.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 18 Oct 1977 Antonov AN-2 accident near Srednekolymsk, Russia?
After takeoff from Srednekolymsk Airport, the engine misfired at 150 meters, with power loss and fire from the right side. The crew attempted an emergency landing but accidentally turned off the battery, preventing flap deployment. The aircraft crash landed, broke in two, and was destroyed; all five occupants were…
Were there any fatalities in the 18 Oct 1977 Antonov AN-2 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 18 Oct 1977 involved an Antonov AN-2, registration CCCP-55625, operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines, at Srednekolymsk, Russia.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The accident was the consequence of the engine misfiring as a result of a failure of the rear spark plug on cylinder n°2, caused by the central electrode falling out due to insulator destruction from a microcrack and internal stresses in manufacturing, which the State Research Institute of Civil Aviation concluded…