An-2 Collision with Mountain Range in Russia

2 fatalities • при выполнении рейса с посадочной площадки Ус-Хатын в Якутске (РФ) в направлении посёлка Суордах

An Antonov An-2 crashed into the Verkhoyansk mountain range during a flight from Us-Khatyn to Suordakh. The accident resulted in two fatalities and injuries to the remaining crew and passengers.

On August 30, 2019, at approximately 07:30 local time, an An-2 aircraft, registration RA-33061, collided with the upper part of the Verkhoyansk mountain range. The flight was being operated by a private individual for the purpose of transporting cargo and passengers between the settlements of Us-Khatyn and Suordakh.

The aircraft was carrying five passengers and 600 kg of cargo at the time of the accident. The crew, consisting of a captain and a second pilot, had departed from Us-Khatyn at 05:00 local time. Prior to departure, the captain had obtained weather information via the internet and, as the departure site lacked a medical professional, the captain authorized the crew to fly without a pre-flight medical examination.

While navigating mountainous terrain, the aircraft struck a mountain peak. The impact caused significant damage to the aircraft. The accident resulted in two passenger fatalities, while the crew and the three remaining passengers sustained various injuries.

Investigation details noted that the aircraft's takeoff weight was 5452 kg, with the center of gravity positioned within the allowable range. The aircraft was fueled with 1200 liters of fuel.

Probable cause

The pilot failed to maintain a safe altitude while flying in mountainous terrain, leading to an encounter with strong downdrafts on the windward side of the mountains that caused an uncontrollable descent and collision. Contributing factors included insufficient analysis of mountain weather, failure to implement safety measures for mountain flying, the use of low-octane automotive gasoline which reduced engine power, and the pilot operating the aircraft without recent proficiency training following a 15-year hiatus from this aircraft type.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2019-08-30 Ан-2 accident near при выполнении рейса с посадочной площадки Ус-Хатын в Якутске (РФ) в направлении посёлка Суордах?

An Antonov An-2 crashed into the Verkhoyansk mountain range during a flight from Us-Khatyn to Suordakh. The accident resulted in two fatalities and injuries to the remaining crew and passengers.

Were there any fatalities in the 2019-08-30 Ан-2 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 2 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2019-08-30 involved a Ан-2, registration RA-33061, operated by Частное лицо, at при выполнении рейса с посадочной площадки Ус-Хатын в Якутске (РФ) в направлении посёлка Суордах.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot failed to maintain a safe altitude while flying in mountainous terrain, leading to an encounter with strong downdrafts on the windward side of the mountains that caused an uncontrollable descent and collision. Contributing factors included insufficient analysis of mountain weather, failure to implement…

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