Mid-air collision involving two AN-2 aircraft over Russia

5 fatalities • Natalin Yar, Russia • Flight

Two PZL-Mielec AN-2 aircraft collided mid-air during a transport mission from Uzbekistan to Myashkovo, resulting in the deaths of all ten people on board.

What happened

A multi-leg transport operation was underway to move seven PZL-Mielec AN-2 aircraft from Urgench, Uzbekistan, to Myashkovo. The mission included intermediate stops at Uralsk and Penza, with the aircraft carrying various crew members and mechanics.

During the segment of the flight between Uralsk and Penza, both aircraft, identified by registrations CCCP-28938 and CCCP-32112, encountered a region characterized by light rain and cloud cover. While cruising at an altitude of approximately 500 meters, the two planes collided in mid-air. Following the impact, the aircraft entered a steep dive, crashing into the ground roughly 350 meters away from the initial collision point. The wreckage of the two planes was found within 25 meters of each other. The impact resulted in a fire that caused the total destruction of both airframes. There were 10 fatalities and no survivors among the occupants.

Findings

The investigation determined that the primary factor leading to the accident was operating under visual flight rules (VFR) during adverse weather conditions. The crew and mission planners failed to adequately assess the meteorological situation along the flight path, leading to the encounter with clouds and rain that obscured visibility.

Probable cause

The collision was caused by the failure of the flight crew to properly evaluate weather conditions, resulting in an attempt to fly under visual flight rules through clouds and rain.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1977-03-25 PZL-Mielec AN-2 accident near Natalin Yar, Russia?

Two PZL-Mielec AN-2 aircraft collided mid-air during a transport mission from Uzbekistan to Myashkovo, resulting in the deaths of all ten people on board.

Were there any fatalities in the 1977-03-25 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 1977-03-25 involved a PZL-Mielec AN-2, registration CCCP-32112, operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines, at Natalin Yar, Russia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The collision was caused by the failure of the flight crew to properly evaluate weather conditions, resulting in an attempt to fly under visual flight rules through clouds and rain.

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