No fatalities

Aircraft Strikes Trees and Crashes after Takeoff from Zhigalovo Airstrip (CCCP-25522)

Zhigalovo, RussiaTakeoff (climb)

On August 1, 1974, an Antonov AN-2 (registration CCCP-25522) operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Zhigalovo, Russia during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: It was determined that the crew failed to follow the departure published procedures and initiated a turn below the minimum safe altitude of 600 meters. Also, the total weight of the aircraft was 250 kg above the MTOW. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 7 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

After takeoff from Zhigalovo Airstrip, the pilot initiated a low-altitude turn, causing the aircraft to strike tree tops and crash in flames near the Lena River. The aircraft was destroyed; the occupant's fate remains unknown.

Incident

Following takeoff from Zhigalovo Airstrip, the pilot executed a turn at a low height. During the maneuver, the aircraft contacted tree tops and subsequently crashed in a wooded area adjacent to the Lena River. The impact resulted in a fire that destroyed the aircraft.

The status of the occupant has not been determined.

Investigation

Officials investigated the circumstances of the accident. The findings focused on the flight crew's actions during the departure phase.

Probable Cause

The investigation determined that the crew failed to adhere to published departure procedures. Specifically, the aircraft was turned below the minimum safe altitude of 600 meters. Additionally, the total weight of the aircraft exceeded the maximum takeoff weight by 250 kg.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1 Aug 1974 Antonov AN-2 accident near Zhigalovo, Russia?

After takeoff from Zhigalovo Airstrip, the pilot initiated a low-altitude turn, causing the aircraft to strike tree tops and crash in flames near the Lena River. The aircraft was destroyed; the occupant's fate remains unknown.

Were there any fatalities in the 1 Aug 1974 Antonov AN-2 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1 Aug 1974 involved an Antonov AN-2, registration CCCP-25522, operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines, at Zhigalovo, Russia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

It was determined that the crew failed to follow the departure published procedures and initiated a turn below the minimum safe altitude of 600 meters. Also, the total weight of the aircraft was 250 kg above the MTOW.