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5 fatalities

Engine Failure Leads to Stall and Crash During Geophysical Mission (CCCP-84595)

Berdsk, RussiaFlight

On April 24, 1959, a Lisunov LI-2 (registration CCCP-84595) operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Berdsk, Russia in flight. 5 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: It was determined that the right engine failed because the fuel selector was connected to an empty fuel tank. Poor crew coordination and failure to follow the published procedures. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 3 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 geophysical mission aircraft experienced right engine failure due to fuel selector error. After unsuccessful restart attempts and emergency landing attempt, the aircraft stalled and crashed, killing five crew members and injuring three.

Flight Details

The crew departed Novosibirsk-Severny Airport on a geophysical mission.

Engine Failure

En route, the right engine failed. Instead of feathering the propeller, the crew attempted several times to restart the engine but without success. Due to high drag, the airplane lost height and speed decreased.

Emergency Landing Attempt

The captain elected to make an emergency landing on a terrain located between the villages of Morozovo and Tavolgan. At a height of 330 meters, the different probes used for the mission were reinstalled in the cabin.

Stall and Crash

Shortly after, the aircraft stalled and crashed in a wooded area. The aircraft was destroyed. Five crew members were killed while three others were injured.

Investigation Findings

The investigation determined that the right engine failed because the fuel selector was connected to an empty fuel tank. Poor crew coordination and failure to follow the published procedures were identified as contributing factors.

Probable cause

It was determined that the right engine failed because the fuel selector was connected to an empty fuel tank. Poor crew coordination and failure to follow the published procedures.
Engine failureFuel exhaustion & starvation

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 24 Apr 1959 Lisunov LI-2 accident near Berdsk, Russia?

A geophysical mission aircraft experienced right engine failure due to fuel selector error. After unsuccessful restart attempts and emergency landing attempt, the aircraft stalled and crashed, killing five crew members and injuring three.

Were there any fatalities in the 24 Apr 1959 Lisunov LI-2 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 5 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 24 Apr 1959 involved a Lisunov LI-2, registration CCCP-84595, operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines, at Berdsk, Russia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

It was determined that the right engine failed because the fuel selector was connected to an empty fuel tank. Poor crew coordination and failure to follow the published procedures.

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