On September 30, 2002, a PZL-Mielec AN-2 (registration RA-62587) operated by Bodaibo Air Enterprise - Bodaibinskoe Aviapredpriatie was involved in an aviation accident near Bodaibo, Russia in flight. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Controlled flight into terrain after the crew decided to continue under VFR mode in IMC conditions. Contributing factors included poor operation planning by the operator and poor visibility due to the presence of cumulonimbus. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
A single-engine charter aircraft struck a mountain slope near Bodaibo after weather deteriorated. All five occupants escaped with minor injuries; the aircraft was destroyed by fire.
Accident Description
On a charter flight from Bodaibo to Valyukhta with intermediate stops in Svetly and Perevoz, a single-engine airplane departed under visual flight rules (VFR). En route, weather conditions deteriorated with low clouds. While flying at an altitude of 1,520 metres, the aircraft struck the slope of a mountain and crashed, bursting into flames. All five occupants escaped with minor injuries, though the aircraft was destroyed by fire. The wreckage was located 68 km northeast of Bodaibo.
Investigation Findings
The official investigation determined the probable cause of the accident as controlled flight into terrain after the crew decided to continue under VFR mode in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). Contributing factors included poor operational planning by the operator and poor visibility due to the presence of cumulonimbus clouds.