FlightFinder
Check my flight
6 fatalities

Night Training Flight Ends in Mountain Collision Near Kirovabad (41)

Kirovabad, AzerbaijanLanding (descent or approach)

On April 13, 1964, an Antonov AN-8 (registration 41) operated by Soviet Air Force - Voyenno-vozdushnye sily CCCP was involved in an aviation accident near Kirovabad, Azerbaijan during landing or approach. 6 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The crew who started the approach prematurely, causing the aircraft to descend below the minimum prescribed altitude. Furthermore, the approach speed was excessive. The lack of visibility due to the night was considered as a contributing factor. 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 training flight at Kirovabad Airport struck a mountain during a night approach, destroying the aircraft and killing all six crew members. The premature descent and excessive speed were cited as causes.

Accident Overview

A local training flight operating from Kirovabad Airport came to a tragic end when it impacted the slope of a mountain several kilometers from the airfield. The accident occurred during a night approach, when the crew failed to maintain sufficient altitude. The aircraft was destroyed in the collision, and all six individuals on board lost their lives.

The flight was conducted under night conditions, which reportedly reduced visibility. The crew initiated the approach sequence, but the descent brought the aircraft below the safe terrain clearance. The mountain, located in proximity to the airport, was not avoided.

Probable Cause

According to official findings, the accident was caused by the crew beginning the approach prematurely, leading the aircraft to descend below the minimum prescribed altitude. Additionally, the approach speed was found to be excessive. The diminished visibility resulting from the nighttime conditions was identified as a contributing factor.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 13 Apr 1964 Antonov AN-8 accident near Kirovabad, Azerbaijan?

A training flight at Kirovabad Airport struck a mountain during a night approach, destroying the aircraft and killing all six crew members. The premature descent and excessive speed were cited as causes.

Were there any fatalities in the 13 Apr 1964 Antonov AN-8 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 6 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 13 Apr 1964 involved an Antonov AN-8, registration 41, operated by Soviet Air Force - Voyenno-vozdushnye sily CCCP, at Kirovabad, Azerbaijan.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The crew who started the approach prematurely, causing the aircraft to descend below the minimum prescribed altitude. Furthermore, the approach speed was excessive. The lack of visibility due to the night was considered as a contributing factor.

More accident analyses