12 fatalities

Aircraft Crashes on Takeoff from Tazovskoye Airport (CCCP-71186)

Tazovskoye, RussiaTakeoff (climb)

On January 14, 1963, a Lisunov LI-2 (registration CCCP-71186) operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Tazovskoye, Russia during takeoff. 12 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The accident was the consequence of a loss of control while taking off in marginal weather conditions. The flight was dispatched despite the fact that the visibility and weather conditions were below minima at the time of the accident. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft crashed during takeoff from an icy runway at Tazovskoye Airport in marginal weather, killing all 12 on board and injuring 13 passengers. The accident was attributed to loss of control due to weather below minima and ATC fatigue from alcohol consumption.

Accident Details

The takeoff from Tazovskoye Airport was attempted from an icy runway under marginal weather conditions, with visibility limited to 500 meters and a crosswind gusting to 43 km/h. After a takeoff roll of 1,600 meters, the pilot initiated rotation. During the maneuver, the aircraft banked right and crashed 265 meters beyond the start of rotation, approximately 70 meters to the right of the extended center line.

All four crew members and eight passengers were killed, while 13 other passengers sustained injuries. The aircraft was destroyed.

Probable Cause

The official investigation determined that the accident was the consequence of a loss of control while taking off in marginal weather conditions. The flight was dispatched despite the fact that the visibility and weather conditions were below minima at the time of the accident. Additionally, it was reported that air traffic control (ATC) consumed alcohol the night before and failed to have sufficient rest time.