No fatalities

Left Engine Failure Prompts Emergency Landing Shortly After Takeoff from Zyrianka Airport (CCCP-H1014)

Zyrianka, RussiaTakeoff (climb)

On July 20, 1953, a Lisunov LI-2 (registration CCCP-H1014) operated by MVD - Ministerstvo Vnutrennikh Del was involved in an aviation accident near Zyrianka, Russia during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: When the undercarriage were raised after liftoff, the left engine suffered technical issues and the crew was forced to feather the propeller, without success. The propeller was then windmilling, causing drag. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 6 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

Shortly after takeoff, the left engine failed. Crew unsuccessfully attempted to feather the propeller. The pilot executed an emergency landing at 140 km/h, hitting trees and crashing 600 meters past the runway. All 16 occupants were rescued; the aircraft was destroyed.

Accident

Shortly after takeoff from Zyrianka Airport, while climbing to a height of about 20 meters, the left engine encountered problems. The crew attempted to feather the propeller, but without success. In these conditions, the pilot-in-command decided to attempt an emergency landing. At a speed of 140 km/h, the airplane struck trees and crashed in a wooded area located 600 meters past the runway end. The aircraft was damaged beyond repair. All 16 occupants were rescued.

Investigation

The official investigation determined the probable cause of the accident. After liftoff, when the undercarriage were raised, the left engine suffered technical issues. The crew was forced to feather the propeller, but the procedure was unsuccessful. The propeller then windmilled, creating drag. Consequently, the aircraft lost height, and the pilot elected to make an emergency landing.

A contributory factor identified by investigators was that the board mechanic was unable to respond immediately to the engine issue. The mechanic was focused on an instruments check, particularly the speed indicator, which delayed his reaction.

Conclusion

The aircraft was destroyed, but no fatalities were reported. The investigation highlighted mechanical failure and crew response issues.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 20 Jul 1953 Lisunov LI-2 accident near Zyrianka, Russia?

Shortly after takeoff, the left engine failed. Crew unsuccessfully attempted to feather the propeller. The pilot executed an emergency landing at 140 km/h, hitting trees and crashing 600 meters past the runway. All 16 occupants were rescued; the aircraft was destroyed.

Were there any fatalities in the 20 Jul 1953 Lisunov LI-2 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 20 Jul 1953 involved a Lisunov LI-2, registration CCCP-H1014, operated by MVD - Ministerstvo Vnutrennikh Del, at Zyrianka, Russia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

When the undercarriage were raised after liftoff, the left engine suffered technical issues and the crew was forced to feather the propeller, without success. The propeller was then windmilling, causing drag. In such conditions, the aircraft lost height and the pilot elected to make an emergency landing. It was…