3 fatalities

Three Killed in Crop-Spraying Crash in Lipetsk Oblast (CCCP-70226)

Durovo, RussiaFlight

On September 4, 1987, a PZL-Mielec AN-2 (registration CCCP-70226) operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Durovo, Russia in flight. 3 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The captain consumed alcohol beverages till two hours prior to takeoff and was severely intoxicated at the time of the accident with a level of 2.5‰ in his blood and 5.1‰ in his urine. 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)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-11Data APIEditorial standards

A crop-spraying aircraft crashed near Durovo, Lipetsk oblast, killing all three occupants. The aircraft struck trees and was destroyed; the captain was found to be severely intoxicated.

Accident Details

On a spraying mission for the Dobrinsky State Farm in Durovo, Lipetsk oblast, the aircraft was flying at a height of about 6 meters when it nosed down to an angle of 19–23° and rolled to the right by 3–6°. The aircraft struck trees and crashed 2.5 km from the takeoff/landing area, resulting in its destruction and the deaths of all three occupants.

Investigation Findings

Investigators determined that the captain had consumed alcohol until two hours prior to takeoff and was severely intoxicated at the time of the accident, with a blood alcohol level of 2.5‰ and a urine alcohol level of 5.1‰. A Mallard duck carcass was found at the crash site, but investigators were unable to determine whether the accident resulted from an in-flight bird strike.

Probable cause

The captain consumed alcohol beverages till two hours prior to takeoff and was severely intoxicated at the time of the accident with a level of 2.5‰ in his blood and 5.1‰ in his urine. The body of a Mallard duck was found at the crash site but investigations were unable to determine if the accident was the consequence of an in-flight bird strike or not.