Collision in the Air Involving Two AN-2 Aircraft Near Lunino (CCCP-35083)

Incident Overview and Flight Details On the day of the incident, an AN-2 registered CCCP-35082 departed Penza Airport at 1012LT on a positioning flight to Kazan. Three minutes later, a second AN-2, registered CCCP-35083, departed on the same routing. The second aircraft carried one passenger and two pilots on board. The first aircraft continued its flight without reported issues until the collision occurred. The second aircraft's crew, for an unknown reason, decided to accelerate in order to reach the first aircraft. Approximately 20 minutes after departure, the second aircraft joined the first aircraft in the air. During this maneuver, the engine of CCCP-35083 struck the base of the tail of CCCP-35082. The impact caused the second aircraft to become out of control. It nosed down and crashed inverted in an open field near Lunino. The aircraft was destroyed in the crash, and all three occupants were killed. The first aircraft, CCCP-35082, was able to land without further problems following the collision.