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6 fatalities

Military Cargo Aircraft Crashes Short of Runway at Chirchik Air Base (22)

Chirchik AFB (Tashkent), UzbekistanLanding (descent or approach)

On December 16, 1966, an Antonov AN-8 (registration 22) operated by Soviet Air Force - Voyenno-vozdushnye sily CCCP was involved in an aviation accident near Chirchik AFB (Tashkent), Uzbekistan during landing or approach. 6 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Too low approach 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 military cargo aircraft carrying ammunition crashed short of the runway at Chirchik Air Base during final approach in poor weather. One crew member was seriously injured and six other occupants were killed.

Accident

A military cargo aircraft was completing a flight from Andijan, Uzbekistan, carrying a load of ammunition. While on final approach to Chirchik Air Force Base, the crew encountered poor weather conditions. The pilot-in-command failed to realize that the aircraft's altitude was too low. The airplane subsequently struck the ground short of the runway threshold and crashed in flames.

Injuries and Fatalities

One crew member sustained serious injuries. Six other occupants were killed in the crash.

Probable Cause

The official investigation determined that the probable cause of the accident was a too low approach on the part of the pilot-in-command.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 16 Dec 1966 Antonov AN-8 accident near Chirchik AFB (Tashkent), Uzbekistan?

A military cargo aircraft carrying ammunition crashed short of the runway at Chirchik Air Base during final approach in poor weather. One crew member was seriously injured and six other occupants were killed.

Were there any fatalities in the 16 Dec 1966 Antonov AN-8 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 6 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 16 Dec 1966 involved an Antonov AN-8, registration 22, operated by Soviet Air Force - Voyenno-vozdushnye sily CCCP, at Chirchik AFB (Tashkent), Uzbekistan.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Too low approach on part of the pilot-in-command.

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