Fatal aircraft accident near Koptevka

2 fatalities • Koptevka, Belarus • Takeoff (climb)

A flight crew performing agricultural spraying missions crashed following an aggressive maneuver shortly after takeoff near Koptevka.

What happened

On the afternoon of the accident, a crew was conducting several aerial spraying operations for the Koptevsky sovkhoz. Following the completion of their scheduled missions, the aircraft departed from the airfield. During the initial climb phase, the pilot-in-command executed an abrupt left-hand turn. This maneuver caused the aircraft to bank at an angle of 60°, leading to an aerodynamic stall. The plane subsequently crashed into an open field situated approximately 4 km northwest of Koptevka.

A post-crash fire broke out upon impact, resulting in the total destruction of the aircraft. The incident resulted in one fatality and one serious injury. The copilot died at the scene, while the captain sustained severe injuries; the captain succumbed to his wounds one week after the crash.

Findings

Investigations into the accident identified that the primary cause was the execution of hazardous maneuvers during takeoff, specifically a turn that exceeded the safe banking limit of 30°. Additionally, investigators noted that fatigue among the crew played a role in the accident. The investigation also revealed that the copilot had a blood alcohol concentration of 0.9‰ at the time of the flight.

Probable cause

The pilot performed an excessive bank angle during takeoff which led to an aerodynamic stall.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1977-04-20 PZL-Mielec AN-2 accident near Koptevka, Belarus?

A flight crew performing agricultural spraying missions crashed following an aggressive maneuver shortly after takeoff near Koptevka.

Were there any fatalities in the 1977-04-20 PZL-Mielec AN-2 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 2 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1977-04-20 involved a PZL-Mielec AN-2, registration CCCP-01637, operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines, at Koptevka, Belarus.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot performed an excessive bank angle during takeoff which led to an aerodynamic stall.

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