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3 fatalities

Training Flight Ends in Stall and Crash Near Petrovsk Airport

Balashov, RussiaLanding (descent or approach)

On October 15, 1991, a Let L-410 operated by Soviet Air Force - Voyenno-vozdushnye sily CCCP was involved in an aviation accident near Balashov, Russia during landing or approach. 3 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The exact cause of the accident could not be determined. However, the assumption that the crew attempted a turn to avoid a flock of birds was not ruled out. 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 from Petrovsk to Balashov stalled and crashed during a go-around in poor weather, killing all three crew members. The exact cause was not determined, but a bird avoidance maneuver was considered.

Accident

A training flight departing Petrovsk Airport for Balashov encountered poor weather conditions on approach, including a low ceiling and strong headwinds. The crew decided against landing and initiated a go-around. While climbing at a speed of 250 km/h to a height of 200–250 meters, the aircraft stalled and crashed near the runway, bursting into flames. All three crew members were killed.

Investigation

The official investigation was unable to determine the exact cause of the accident. However, the possibility that the crew attempted a turn to avoid a flock of birds was considered and not ruled out.

Probable cause

The exact cause of the accident could not be determined. However, the assumption that the crew attempted a turn to avoid a flock of birds was not ruled out.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 15 Oct 1991 Let L-410 accident near Balashov, Russia?

A training flight from Petrovsk to Balashov stalled and crashed during a go-around in poor weather, killing all three crew members. The exact cause was not determined, but a bird avoidance maneuver was considered.

Were there any fatalities in the 15 Oct 1991 Let L-410 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 3 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 15 Oct 1991 involved a Let L-410, operated by Soviet Air Force - Voyenno-vozdushnye sily CCCP, at Balashov, Russia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The exact cause of the accident could not be determined. However, the assumption that the crew attempted a turn to avoid a flock of birds was not ruled out.

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