2 fatalities

Cargo Flight CFIT in Konder Mountain Range (CCCP-17992)

Mt Konder, RussiaFlight

On August 14, 1985, a PZL-Mielec AN-2 (registration CCCP-17992) operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Mt Konder, Russia in flight. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Controlled flight into terrain after the crew decided to continue under VFR mode in IMC conditions. At the time of the accident, weather conditions were worse than forecasted and the visibility was poor due to low clouds and rain falls. 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)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-11Data APIEditorial standards

A cargo flight continued under VFR in IMC conditions, resulting in controlled flight into terrain on a mountain slope. The aircraft was destroyed and both pilots were killed.

Accident Overview

A single-engine aircraft conducting a cargo flight collided with the slope of a mountain in the Konder Mountain Range. The accident occurred after the crew decided to continue the flight in adverse weather conditions rather than returning to their departure point. The aircraft was operating under visual flight rules (VFR) but encountered instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) at an insufficient cruising altitude.

Flight Sequence

During the flight, weather conditions worsened. Despite the deterioration, the crew chose to proceed instead of diverting or returning. While cruising under VFR mode in IMC, the aircraft struck the mountainous terrain. The impact destroyed the aircraft and resulted in fatal injuries to both pilots.

Contributing Factors

According to the official investigation, the probable cause was controlled flight into terrain after the crew decided to continue under VFR mode in IMC conditions. At the time of the accident, weather conditions were worse than forecasted, and visibility was poor due to low clouds and rainfall.