2 fatalities

Fatal crash on Mount Sayan involving low-altitude flight

Mt Sayan, RussiaFlight

On July 1, 1942, a Polikarpov Po-2 operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Mt Sayan, Russia in flight. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's intoxication impaired their ability to safely operate the aircraft, leading to a controlled flight into terrain. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-08-05Data APIEditorial standards

A small aircraft crashed into a wooded area on Mt Sayan while flying at low altitude, resulting in two fatalities and one serious injury.

What happened

The aircraft was operating at a low cruising altitude when it collided with trees in a forested section of Mt Sayan. The impact caused the plane to break apart and catch fire immediately after striking the ground. Of the three people on board, two occupants lost their lives, while one passenger sustained serious injuries.

Findings

Official investigations determined that the pilot was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the accident. This impairment of judgment and coordination is cited as the primary factor leading to the loss of control and subsequent collision with terrain.

Probable cause

The pilot's intoxication impaired their ability to safely operate the aircraft, leading to a controlled flight into terrain.