4 fatalities

1976-06-06: Lisunov LI-2 (CCCP-13345) — MAP - Ministerstvo Aviatsionnoi Promyshlennosti - Minaviaprom — Karakulino, Russia

Karakulino, RussiaFlight

On June 6, 1976, a Lisunov LI-2 (registration CCCP-13345) operated by MAP - Ministerstvo Aviatsionnoi Promyshlennosti - Minaviaprom was involved in an aviation accident near Karakulino, Russia in flight. 4 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft struck telephone cables during an emergency descent following an engine malfunction and low fuel levels. 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 1781229153Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft crashed into the banks of the Kama River after striking utility cables during an emergency descent following engine malfunction and turbulence.

What happened

During a flight characterized by significant turbulence, the crew elected to maintain a low altitude of approximately 290 meters. After four hours of operation, the aircraft experienced a reduction in fuel reserves alongside a malfunction in the left engine, which began misrunning.

In response to these deteriorating conditions, the captain initiated an emergency descent to attempt a landing. While descending at an altitude of 45 meters, the aircraft collided with five steel telephone cables, each measuring 4.3 mm in diameter. This impact caused the aircraft to stall, leading to a crash on the shoreline of the Kama River. The accident resulted in four fatalities among the crew.

Findings

  • The flight was operating at a low altitude due to ongoing atmospheric turbulence.
  • A mechanical issue involving the left engine's performance contributed to the emergency state.
  • Contact with overhead utility cables during the descent led to the loss of control and subsequent impact with the ground.

Probable cause

The aircraft struck telephone cables during an emergency descent following an engine malfunction and low fuel levels.