On October 24, 1987, a PZL-Mielec AN-2 (registration CCCP-35330) operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Apollonovka, Ukraine in flight. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The exact cause could not be determined with certainty. However, it is believed that the loss of control occurred when the crew got distracted from operations due to a momentarily engine malfunction caused by a poor fuel quality. 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.
While spraying crops for Zarya State Farm, an aircraft at low altitude entered a right turn, struck trees and power cables, then crashed into a house, killing both pilots. No ground injuries were reported.
Accident Details
The aircraft was conducting an agricultural spraying mission for Zarya State Farm. Flying at an altitude of 18–20 meters and a speed of 160 km/h, the aircraft initiated a right turn. During the maneuver, it lost altitude, struck tree tops and power cables, and subsequently crashed into a house. Both pilots were killed in the accident. No persons on the ground were injured.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined that the exact cause of the accident could not be established with certainty. However, it is believed that the loss of control occurred when the crew became distracted from their duties due to a momentary engine malfunction caused by poor fuel quality.