On October 3, 1987, a PZL-Mielec AN-2 (registration CCCP-17887) operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Kushevskaya AFB, Russia during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The engine failed during takeoff because the crew neglected to follow established pre-flight procedures, leaving a fuel valve closed. 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.
An aircraft crashed during its takeoff roll following an engine failure caused by a fuel system error.
What happened
During the initial phase of flight, the aircraft experienced a critical loss of power immediately after beginning its takeoff roll. The incident occurred as the crew was attempting to depart, resulting in the aircraft departing from the runway and crashing.
Findings
Investigations into the accident revealed that the engine failed because a 4-way gas crane was left in the closed position. This mechanical state prevented proper fuel flow to the engine during the high-power demand of takeoff. The failure is attributed to the fact that the crew did not properly execute the pre-takeoff checklist, which would have identified the incorrectly positioned valve before the flight commenced.
Probable cause
The engine failed during takeoff because the crew neglected to follow established pre-flight procedures, leaving a fuel valve closed.
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