Mid-air collision involving two AN-2 aircraft near Lunino

3 fatalities • Lunino, Russia • Flight

A mid-air collision between two Antonov AN-2 aircraft resulted in three fatalities during a positioning flight near Lunino.

What happened

On the morning of the accident, two AN-2 aircraft departed from Penza Airport for flights toward Kazan. The first aircraft, registered CCCP-35082, took off at 10:12 local time. Shortly after, at approximately 10:15, a second aircraft, registered CCCP-35083, departed following the same flight path. This second plane was operating a positioning flight and carried two pilots and one passenger.

During the transit, the crew of CCCP-35083 attempted to close the distance between the two aircraft. Approximately 20 minutes after departure, the second aircraft successfully caught up to the lead plane. During this maneuver, the engine of CCCP-35083 collided with the tail section of CCCP-35082. The impact caused CCCP-35083 to lose control, resulting in an inverted descent into an open field near Lunino. The impact destroyed the aircraft, and all 3 fatalities occurred on board.

The lead aircraft, CCCP-35082, remained airborne following the collision and was able to complete its flight and land safely.

Findings

Investigations into the accident concluded that the primary factor was poor judgement and improper maneuvering by the crew of the second aircraft during their attempt to overtake the lead plane.

Probable cause

The crew's decision to accelerate and close the gap with the preceding aircraft led to a collision between the engine and the tail of the first plane.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1969-12-09 PZL-Mielec AN-2 accident near Lunino, Russia?

A mid-air collision between two Antonov AN-2 aircraft resulted in three fatalities during a positioning flight near Lunino.

Were there any fatalities in the 1969-12-09 PZL-Mielec AN-2 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 3 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1969-12-09 involved a PZL-Mielec AN-2, registration CCCP-35083, operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines, at Lunino, Russia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?