No fatalities

Supply Aircraft Damaged Beyond Repair After Multiple Landing Attempts in Fog (CCCP-N480)

Nagurskoye (Franz Josef Archipelago), RussiaLanding (descent or approach)

On July 2, 1955, an Ilyushin II-12 (registration CCCP-N480) operated by Polyarnaya Aviatsiya was involved in an aviation accident near Nagurskoye (Franz Josef Archipelago), Russia during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Approach completed below minima weather conditions. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards

During a supply mission to an ice expedition, a crew attempted four landings in thick fog. On the fourth attempt, the aircraft struck the ground, shearing off the left main gear, resulting in substantial damage but no casualties.

Event Summary

A crew was completing a supply mission to the ice expedition named 'Sever 7'. The destination was the Nagurskoye ice strip. On approach, the pilot in command encountered low visibility due to thick fog.

Sequence of Events

Instead of diverting to a suitable alternative location, the pilot attempted to land three times without success. During the fourth attempt, the aircraft was too low and misaligned when it struck the ground on short final. Upon touchdown, the left main gear was sheared off, causing the aircraft to go out of control before coming to rest.

Damage

The aircraft sustained damage beyond repair. There were no casualties among the occupants.

Probable Cause

The official findings state that the approach was completed below minima weather conditions.