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Cargo Aircraft Collides with Ice Hummocks During Polar Night Approach to SP-7 (CCCP-N442)

SP-7 Polar Station, RussiaLanding (descent or approach)

On October 27, 1957, an Ilyushin II-12 (registration CCCP-N442) operated by Polyarnaya Aviatsiya was involved in an aviation accident near SP-7 Polar Station, Russia during landing or approach. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The approach to SP-7 Station was completed under VFR by night and marginal weather conditions. It was possible for the crew to postpone the flight but the captain decided to conduct the flight despite the weather conditions. 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

During a cargo flight from Mys Chelyuskin to drifting station SP-7, an aircraft struck ice hummocks on final approach in low clouds and poor visibility. All six crew were injured; one died five days later.

Incident Details

A cargo flight operating from Mys Chelyuskin to the drifting ice station SP-7 (located approximately at 87°N) ended in a crash during the polar night. The aircraft was on final approach in difficult weather conditions characterized by low clouds and poor visibility when its left wing collided with ice hummocks about 3 kilometers from the runway threshold. The aircraft crashed after the impact.

Rescue

All six crew members sustained injuries in the accident. They were rescued approximately 21 hours later by a Mil Mi-4 helicopter. One of the crew members died from his injuries five days after the crash.

Crew

The crew consisted of pilots Vladimir Malkov and A. A. Lebedev, mechanics Valentin A. Kolosov and S. P. Jars, flight engineer Nikolaï Pischke, and radio operator Gennady M. Nevyantsev.

Probable Cause

The official findings stated that the approach to SP-7 Station was completed under VFR by night and in marginal weather conditions. It was possible for the crew to postpone the flight, but the captain decided to conduct the flight despite the weather conditions.

Weather

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 27 Oct 1957 Ilyushin II-12 accident near SP-7 Polar Station, Russia?

During a cargo flight from Mys Chelyuskin to drifting station SP-7, an aircraft struck ice hummocks on final approach in low clouds and poor visibility. All six crew were injured; one died five days later.

Were there any fatalities in the 27 Oct 1957 Ilyushin II-12 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 27 Oct 1957 involved an Ilyushin II-12, registration CCCP-N442, operated by Polyarnaya Aviatsiya, at SP-7 Polar Station, Russia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The approach to SP-7 Station was completed under VFR by night and marginal weather conditions. It was possible for the crew to postpone the flight but the captain decided to conduct the flight despite the weather conditions.

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