3 fatalities

Cargo Flight Crash in Siberia: VFR Flight in Low Clouds (CCCP-98302)

Turukhansk, RussiaFlight

On September 18, 1975, an Antonov AN-2 (registration CCCP-98302) operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Turukhansk, Russia in flight. 3 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The crew continued under VFR mode in adverse weather conditions. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A cargo flight from Turukhansk to Lake Munduiskoye crashed after the crew flew under VFR in adverse weather, deviated from the prescribed path, entered clouds, and struck a hill not on the map. All three crew members died.

Overview

A cargo flight operating from Turukhansk to Lake Munduiskoye ended in a fatal accident when the aircraft crashed into a rocky slope. The flight was conducted under visual flight rules (VFR) despite weather conditions that did not permit such operations due to low clouds.

Flight Details

The aircraft departed from Turukhansk en route to Lake Munduiskoye. The crew elected to fly under VFR, contrary to the prevailing weather which featured low clouds. This decision led to a deviation from the prescribed flight path.

Accident Sequence

During the flight, the aircraft deviated from its intended route and entered clouds. Subsequently, it crashed at an elevation of 395 metres into the rocky slope of a hill located approximately 72 kilometres northwest of Turukhansk. The hill, which rose to 410 metres, was not depicted on the flight map used by the crew.

Investigation Findings

The official investigation determined that the accident occurred because the crew continued to operate under VFR mode in adverse weather conditions. The aircraft's impact with the unmarked terrain resulted in the destruction of the aircraft and the loss of all three occupants.

Probable Cause

The crew continued under VFR mode in adverse weather conditions.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 18 Sept 1975 Antonov AN-2 accident near Turukhansk, Russia?

A cargo flight from Turukhansk to Lake Munduiskoye crashed after the crew flew under VFR in adverse weather, deviated from the prescribed path, entered clouds, and struck a hill not on the map. All three crew members died.

Were there any fatalities in the 18 Sept 1975 Antonov AN-2 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 3 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 18 Sept 1975 involved an Antonov AN-2, registration CCCP-98302, operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines, at Turukhansk, Russia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The crew continued under VFR mode in adverse weather conditions.