17 fatalities

17 Killed in Training Flight Crash on Approach to Ulyanovsk (CCCP-75651)

Ulyanovsk, RussiaLanding (descent or approach)

On December 28, 1960, an Ilyushin II-18 (registration CCCP-75651) operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Ulyanovsk, Russia during landing or approach. 17 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The approach was conducted in cloud and icing conditions. Ice contamination of critical surfaces (stabilizers and elevators) caused loss of control. Flap deployment to 40° combined with icing led to a stall, and insufficient altitude prevented recovery. 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)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards

A training flight from Kuybyshev to Ulyanovsk crashed short of the runway after the aircraft stalled during flap extension. The aircraft was destroyed, killing all 17 occupants. Icing conditions were cited as probable cause.

Accident

A training flight operating between Kuybyshev and Ulyanovsk carried 13 crew members and four passengers. The crew consisted of five instructors and eight pilots under supervision. The four passengers were employees of the Voronezh aircraft plant. The flight was uneventful until the approach phase. Upon selecting flaps to the 40-degree position, the aircraft became unstable. From a height of 120 to 150 meters, it stalled and crashed in a field located 1,240 meters short of the runway threshold. The aircraft was destroyed, and all 17 occupants sustained fatal injuries.

Investigation

The official investigation into the accident analyzed the flight data and circumstances leading to the loss of control.

Probable Cause

The investigation's findings stated that the approach was conducted in cloud and icing conditions. It is believed that ice contamination of critical surfaces, such as the stabilizers and elevators, caused the loss of control. The deployment of flaps to 40 degrees in conjunction with icing conditions resulted in a stall. The aircraft's altitude was insufficient for recovery.