4 fatalities

Spraying Plane Crashes in Koshlyaky; Four Occupants Killed (CCCP-16045)

Koshlyaky, UkraineTakeoff (climb)

On May 9, 1983, a PZL-Mielec AN-2 (registration CCCP-16045) operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Koshlyaky, Ukraine during takeoff. 4 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: At the time of the accident, the captain was intoxicated. Analyses revealed a level of 1,02‰ of alcohol in his blood. Also, both passengers were not authorized to board the plane for such mission. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A spraying aircraft crashed in Koshlyaky after takeoff, killing all four occupants. The captain was found to be intoxicated, and the passengers were unauthorized.

Accident Details

The aircraft was operating a local spraying mission in the region of Koshlyaky. That morning, the captain departed to apply herbicides. Two passengers boarded the aircraft prior to takeoff. During the climb after departure, the aircraft reached an altitude of approximately 100 meters. It then banked left, lost altitude, and pitched nose-down to 35 degrees. The aircraft impacted a road adjacent to the field and erupted in flames. The aircraft was destroyed by the impact and subsequent fire. All four occupants—the captain and two passengers—were killed.

Investigation Findings

The official investigation determined the probable cause. At the time of the accident, the captain was intoxicated, with a blood alcohol concentration of 1.02‰. Additionally, both passengers were not authorized to be on board for the spraying mission.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 9 May 1983 PZL-Mielec AN-2 accident near Koshlyaky, Ukraine?

A spraying aircraft crashed in Koshlyaky after takeoff, killing all four occupants. The captain was found to be intoxicated, and the passengers were unauthorized.

Were there any fatalities in the 9 May 1983 PZL-Mielec AN-2 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 4 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 9 May 1983 involved a PZL-Mielec AN-2, registration CCCP-16045, operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines, at Koshlyaky, Ukraine.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

At the time of the accident, the captain was intoxicated. Analyses revealed a level of 1,02‰ of alcohol in his blood. Also, both passengers were not authorized to board the plane for such mission.