Engine control lever failure leads to fatal crash near Myeshchura Airport

6 fatalities • Myeshchura, Russia • Takeoff (climb)

An aircraft crashed in the taiga shortly after takeoff from Myeshchura Airport following a mechanical failure of the engine control lever.

What happened

During the initial climb phase from Myeshchura Airport, an aircraft experienced a critical mechanical malfunction. While ascending at an altitude of approximately 150 meters, the engine control lever became disconnected from its mechanism. This failure resulted in a significant loss of airspeed, causing the aircraft to enter a stall.

As the plane lost lift, it struck the tops of trees while traveling at a speed of 100 km/h. The impact led to a crash within the nearby taiga forest, roughly three kilometers away from the departure airfield. The collision resulted in an intense fire upon impact. The accident resulted in six fatalities among the passengers, while the remaining seven occupants, which included both members of the flight crew, sustained injuries.

Findings

Investigations into the accident determined that the disconnection of the engine control lever was caused by a missing lock tab on the control mechanism. This component failure occurred during the early stages of the climb, directly leading to the loss of engine power management and the subsequent stall.

Probable cause

The engine control lever disconnected during takeoff because a necessary lock tab was absent from the assembly.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1967-08-29 PZL-Mielec AN-2 accident near Myeshchura, Russia?

An aircraft crashed in the taiga shortly after takeoff from Myeshchura Airport following a mechanical failure of the engine control lever.

Were there any fatalities in the 1967-08-29 PZL-Mielec AN-2 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 6 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1967-08-29 involved a PZL-Mielec AN-2, registration CCCP-42615, operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines, at Myeshchura, Russia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The engine control lever disconnected during takeoff because a necessary lock tab was absent from the assembly.

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