3 fatalities

Aircraft Strikes Mountain Slope in IMC Conditions (CCCP-70771)

Taldykorgan, KazakhstanFlight

On June 1, 1985, a PZL-Mielec AN-2 (registration CCCP-70771) operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Taldykorgan, Kazakhstan in flight. 3 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Controlled flight into terrain after the crew continued to fly under VFR mode in IMC conditions. 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.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During a flight, weather deteriorated with low ceiling and rain showers. The crew attempted to return but deviated from the route. While flying under VFR in IMC, the aircraft hit a mountain slope and caught fire, killing all three occupants.

Incident Overview

En route, the weather conditions worsened, featuring a low ceiling and rain showers. The crew decided to return to the departure point. However, the aircraft deviated from the prescribed route. While cruising under visual flight rules (VFR) mode in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), the aircraft struck the slope of a mountain. The impact caused the aircraft to burst into flames. All three occupants were killed.

Flight Details

The flight encountered deteriorating weather conditions, specifically low ceiling and rain showers. The crew's decision to return to the departure point was not executed as planned, as the aircraft deviated from the prescribed route. The aircraft continued under VFR mode despite being in IMC, leading to the collision with the mountain slope.

Investigation Findings

The official investigation determined the probable cause as controlled flight into terrain after the crew continued to fly under VFR mode in IMC conditions. No other factors or contributing elements were noted in the findings.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1 Jun 1985 PZL-Mielec AN-2 accident near Taldykorgan, Kazakhstan?

During a flight, weather deteriorated with low ceiling and rain showers. The crew attempted to return but deviated from the route. While flying under VFR in IMC, the aircraft hit a mountain slope and caught fire, killing all three occupants.

Were there any fatalities in the 1 Jun 1985 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 1 Jun 1985 involved a PZL-Mielec AN-2, registration CCCP-70771, operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines, at Taldykorgan, Kazakhstan.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Controlled flight into terrain after the crew continued to fly under VFR mode in IMC conditions.