Aircraft crash near Yauza Pass

7 fatalities • Rushan, Tajikistan • Flight

An aircraft crashed into a mountainside near Rushan after encountering severe weather and a strong downdraft, resulting in no survivors.

What happened

During the early morning hours at 06:13 local time, an aircraft was performing a cruise at an altitude of 4,000 meters. Shortly after communicating with air traffic control that the flight had passed over Rushan eight minutes prior, the crew encountered worsening weather conditions characterized by cloud cover and reduced visibility.

While flying at 4,800 meters, the aircraft was caught in a powerful downdraft that caused a sudden loss of altitude. This descent led to a collision with the southern slope of a mountain situated near the Yauza Pass, approximately 15 km northwest of Rushan. The impact caused the aircraft to disintegrate. There were seven fatalities among the occupants. Search teams located the wreckage two days later at an elevation of 4,800 meters, roughly 100 meters below the mountain summit.

Findings

Investigations into the accident identified that a strong downdraft caused the aircraft to lose necessary altitude. Additionally, it was determined that the flight was not on its intended path because the pilot had chosen to alter the route for reasons that remain unconfirmed.

Probable cause

The aircraft struck terrain due to a sudden loss of altitude from a downdraft while flying off-course following an unauthorized route change.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1953-07-06 Lisunov LI-2 accident near Rushan, Tajikistan?

An aircraft crashed into a mountainside near Rushan after encountering severe weather and a strong downdraft, resulting in no survivors.

Were there any fatalities in the 1953-07-06 Lisunov LI-2 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 7 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1953-07-06 involved a Lisunov LI-2, registration CCCP-L4027, operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines, at Rushan, Tajikistan.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft struck terrain due to a sudden loss of altitude from a downdraft while flying off-course following an unauthorized route change.

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