Incident Overview
An aircraft departed from the Polar Station SP-21 in the early morning on a flight to the North Pole in the Arctic region. On board were six crew members and three scientists, who were hydrologists. The aircraft was being used for communications with Soviet submarines cruising in the Arctic zone.
Landing and Ice Inspection
The crew identified a suitable landing area approximately 500 km north of the Queen Elizabeth Islands, Northwest Territories. After landing, the scientists proceeded to inspect the ice. The ice thickness was measured at 47 cm, which was considered insufficient for the aircraft to remain parked for an extended period.
Decision to Relocate
Due to the inadequate ice thickness, the decision was made to leave the area and search for a more suitable location. However, as the aircraft began to move, the left ski broke through the ice, followed shortly by the right ski. The aircraft became blocked in the ice and was impossible to move.
Destruction and Evacuation
Because the aircraft carried sensitive equipment on board, the decision was made to destroy the airplane. The aircraft partially sank into the ice. All nine occupants were evacuated two days later by the crew of an Antonov AN-2.
Aftermath
No further details about the aircraft type, registration, operator, or specific date were provided in the source. The incident highlights the challenges of operating on thin Arctic ice.