Fatal aircraft crash during agricultural spraying operations

3 fatalities • Antonovka, Kazakhstan • Flight

An aircraft crashed into a hilltop during low-altitude maneuvers, resulting in the deaths of all three people on board.

What happened

During a series of agricultural spraying missions conducted under challenging environmental conditions, an aircraft crashed into the summit of a 718-meter hill. The flight was being operated by a crew that included the captain and a co-pilot, along with an unauthorized passenger. During the mission, the captain was reportedly involved in a physical altercation with the co-pilot and was behaving in an aggressive manner.

While performing low-altitude passes at approximately 200 meters, the aircraft initiated a left turn. During this maneuver, the plane reached a bank angle of 60 degrees before impacting the terrain. The impact resulted in the total destruction of the aircraft and three fatalities.

Findings

Investigations into the accident revealed that the captain was operating the aircraft while heavily intoxicated, with a measured blood alcohol concentration of 3.3 ‰. While the co-pilot had not consumed any alcohol, investigators determined that his passive behavior rendered him unable to intervene or manage the developing emergency. The intoxication of the captain was identified as a primary factor in the loss of control during the turn.

Probable cause

The pilot's extreme level of alcohol impairment and subsequent loss of aircraft control during a low-altitude maneuver.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1983-04-08 PZL-Mielec AN-2 accident near Antonovka, Kazakhstan?

An aircraft crashed into a hilltop during low-altitude maneuvers, resulting in the deaths of all three people on board.

Were there any fatalities in the 1983-04-08 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 1983-04-08 involved a PZL-Mielec AN-2, registration CCCP-03483, operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines, at Antonovka, Kazakhstan.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's extreme level of alcohol impairment and subsequent loss of aircraft control during a low-altitude maneuver.

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