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18 fatalities

Premature Descent Results in Controlled Flight into Terrain near Shakhtersk (CCCP-91534)

Shakhtersk, RussiaLanding (descent or approach)

On July 4, 1973, an Ilyushin II-14 (registration CCCP-91534) operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Shakhtersk, Russia during landing or approach. 18 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The crew started the descent prematurely, approximately 15 to 20 km too early, causing the aircraft to approach below the MDA. Due to low clouds, the crew was unable to distinguish the mountain. 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

On approach to Shakhtersk Airport in poor weather, the crew began descent too early, causing the aircraft to strike Mount Krasnova at 950 meters. All 18 occupants were killed.

Accident

During descent to Shakhtersk Airport, the aircraft flew in poor weather conditions with low clouds. At an altitude of 950 meters, it struck the slope of Mount Krasnova, which is 1,093 meters high and located about 53 kilometers south of the airport. The aircraft was totally destroyed, and all 18 occupants were killed.

Investigation

Investigators found that the crew had started the descent prematurely, approximately 15 to 20 kilometers earlier than required. This caused the aircraft to descend below the minimum descent altitude (MDA). Due to the low clouds, the crew could not see the mountain and avoid the collision.

Probable Cause

The official probable cause is that the crew started the descent prematurely, about 15 to 20 km too early, causing the aircraft to approach below the MDA. Low clouds prevented the crew from distinguishing the mountain.

Controlled flight into terrain

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 4 Jul 1973 Ilyushin II-14 accident near Shakhtersk, Russia?

On approach to Shakhtersk Airport in poor weather, the crew began descent too early, causing the aircraft to strike Mount Krasnova at 950 meters. All 18 occupants were killed.

Were there any fatalities in the 4 Jul 1973 Ilyushin II-14 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 18 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 4 Jul 1973 involved an Ilyushin II-14, registration CCCP-91534, operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines, at Shakhtersk, Russia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The crew started the descent prematurely, approximately 15 to 20 km too early, causing the aircraft to approach below the MDA. Due to low clouds, the crew was unable to distinguish the mountain.

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