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Mid-Air Collision of Two PZL-Mielec AN-2 Aircraft during Transfer Flight (CCCP-28938)

Natalin Yar, RussiaFlight

On March 25, 1977, a PZL-Mielec AN-2 (registration CCCP-28938) operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Natalin Yar, Russia in flight. 5 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Poor flight preparation and planning as all crew and the people in charge of the mission failed to analyze weather conditions en route. The collision occurred while both crew were flying under VFR mode in adverse weather conditions. 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)Source recordUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

Two PZL-Mielec AN-2 aircraft, registrations CCCP-28938 and CCCP-32112, collided in cloudy conditions with light rain during a transfer flight from Uralsk to Penza, resulting in the destruction of both aircraft and fatalities of all 10 occupants.

Introduction

A group of seven PZL-Mielec AN-2 aircraft was being transferred from Urgench, Uzbekistan, to Myashkovo, with intermediate stops in Uralsk and Penza. The aircraft carried mechanics and crew members.

Sequence of Events

During the leg from Uralsk to Penza, two of the aircraft, registered CCCP-28938 and CCCP-32112, were cruising at an altitude of 500 meters. They entered a cloudy area with light rain and subsequently collided. Following the collision, both aircraft entered a dive and crashed in flames approximately 350 meters further, coming to rest 25 meters from each other.

Destruction and Casualties

Both aircraft were totally destroyed. All 10 occupants aboard the two aircraft were killed.

Probable Cause

The official investigation attributed the accident to poor flight preparation and planning, noting that all crew and the people in charge of the mission failed to analyze weather conditions en route. The collision occurred while both crews were flying under VFR mode in adverse weather conditions.

Midair collision

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 25 Mar 1977 PZL-Mielec AN-2 accident near Natalin Yar, Russia?

Two PZL-Mielec AN-2 aircraft, registrations CCCP-28938 and CCCP-32112, collided in cloudy conditions with light rain during a transfer flight from Uralsk to Penza, resulting in the destruction of both aircraft and fatalities of all 10 occupants.

Were there any fatalities in the 25 Mar 1977 PZL-Mielec AN-2 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 5 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 25 Mar 1977 involved a PZL-Mielec AN-2, registration CCCP-28938, operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines, at Natalin Yar, Russia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Poor flight preparation and planning as all crew and the people in charge of the mission failed to analyze weather conditions en route. The collision occurred while both crew were flying under VFR mode in adverse weather conditions.

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