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Aircraft Crash-Lands in Wooded Area After Fuel Alarm During Thunderstorm Avoidance (CCCP-09657)

Bratsk, RussiaFlight

On August 9, 1980, a PZL-Mielec AN-2 (registration CCCP-09657) operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Bratsk, Russia in flight. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Low fuel conditions forced the crew to attempt an emergency landing. The weather forecast bulletin transmitted to the crew did not reflect the truth and did not mention any thunderstorm activity en route. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 7 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

An aircraft en route from Irkutsk to Bratsk crash-landed in a wooded area after the crew deviated from the route due to thunderstorms and a low fuel alarm. No casualties occurred, but the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Accident

An aircraft operating a flight from Irkutsk to Bratsk encountered worsening weather conditions, including thunderstorms, while en route. The crew deviated from the prescribed route. A few minutes after the deviation, the low fuel alarm activated. The crew then attempted an emergency landing. The aircraft crash-landed in a wooded area. There were no casualties, but the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Probable Cause

The official investigation determined the probable cause: low fuel conditions forced the crew to attempt an emergency landing. Additionally, the weather forecast bulletin transmitted to the crew did not reflect the truth and did not mention any thunderstorm activity en route.

Weather

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 9 Aug 1980 PZL-Mielec AN-2 accident near Bratsk, Russia?

An aircraft en route from Irkutsk to Bratsk crash-landed in a wooded area after the crew deviated from the route due to thunderstorms and a low fuel alarm. No casualties occurred, but the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Were there any fatalities in the 9 Aug 1980 PZL-Mielec AN-2 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 9 Aug 1980 involved a PZL-Mielec AN-2, registration CCCP-09657, operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines, at Bratsk, Russia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Low fuel conditions forced the crew to attempt an emergency landing. The weather forecast bulletin transmitted to the crew did not reflect the truth and did not mention any thunderstorm activity en route.

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