Aircraft impact on Mt Kysyrdag during flight from Sisian Airport

2 fatalities • Bazarchay, Armenia • Flight

An aircraft crashed into Mt Kysyrdag after encountering deteriorating weather conditions and reduced visibility while flying east from Sisian Airport.

What happened

On the evening of the accident, an aircraft departed from Sisian Airport at 18:00 local time, heading in an easterly direction. During the cruise phase of the flight, which was being conducted at an altitude of 2,700 metres, the flight encountered deteriorating weather conditions characterized by increasing cloud cover and a significant reduction in visibility.

Despite the worsening environmental conditions, the pilot-in-command elected to proceed with the flight rather than returning to the departure airfield. While navigating through the clouds, the aircraft type struck the peak of Mt Kysyrdag, which reaches an elevation of 2,987 metres. The impact resulted in a post-crash fire that completely destroyed the airframe. The wreckage was subsequently located at an altitude of 2,750 metres.

Findings

There were two fatalities resulting from the accident, as both occupants of the aircraft perished in the crash. Investigations into the event concluded that the primary factor was the crew's decision to maintain their course into restricted visibility, which was a violation of established flight procedures regarding cloud cover and visibility limits.

Probable cause

The crew proceeded into areas of limited visibility caused by clouds, violating standard operating procedures.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1976-07-01 PZL-Mielec AN-2 accident near Bazarchay, Armenia?

An aircraft crashed into Mt Kysyrdag after encountering deteriorating weather conditions and reduced visibility while flying east from Sisian Airport.

Were there any fatalities in the 1976-07-01 PZL-Mielec AN-2 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 2 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1976-07-01 involved a PZL-Mielec AN-2, registration CCCP-02518, operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines, at Bazarchay, Armenia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The crew proceeded into areas of limited visibility caused by clouds, violating standard operating procedures.

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