On July 1, 1976, a PZL-Mielec AN-2 (registration CCCP-55791) operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Sakhapta, Russia in flight. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The engine started to misrun when the pilot-in-command initiated a turn to the right as the engine was connected to the left tank that was quit empty at that time. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
During a crop spraying flight at 50 m height, the pilot initiated a right turn when the engine misran. The aircraft lost height, struck ground in a 45° right bank, and came to rest 74 m away. All three occupants were seriously injured; the technician and copilot later died.
Accident Details
The crew was completing a crop spraying flight on behalf of the sovkhoz of Sakhaptinsky. While flying at a height of 50 meters, the pilot-in-command initiated a right turn to an angle of 20–25°. During the turn, the engine started to misrun. The aircraft subsequently lost height and struck the ground in a right bank of 45°. After impact, it came to rest 74 metres further. All three occupants were seriously injured in the accident. The technician died three days later, and the copilot died six days later.
Probable Cause
The official investigation stated that the engine started to misrun when the pilot-in-command initiated a turn to the right as the engine was connected to the left tank that was quit empty at that time.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 1 Jul 1976 PZL-Mielec AN-2 accident near Sakhapta, Russia?
During a crop spraying flight at 50 m height, the pilot initiated a right turn when the engine misran. The aircraft lost height, struck ground in a 45° right bank, and came to rest 74 m away. All three occupants were seriously injured; the technician and copilot later died.
Were there any fatalities in the 1 Jul 1976 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 1 Jul 1976 involved a PZL-Mielec AN-2, registration CCCP-55791, operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines, at Sakhapta, Russia.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The engine started to misrun when the pilot-in-command initiated a turn to the right as the engine was connected to the left tank that was quit empty at that time.