No fatalities

Single-engine aircraft crash in mountainous terrain (CCCP-44958)

Nelkan, RussiaFlight

On November 30, 1978, a PZL-Mielec AN-2 (registration CCCP-44958) operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Nelkan, Russia in flight. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The accident was caused by a loss of control resulting from severe atmospheric turbulence and downward air currents. 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 2026-06-14Data APIEditorial standards

A single-engine aircraft crashed into hilly terrain while operating over a mountainous region, leaving the status of the occupant uncertain.

What happened

An incident involving a single-engine aircraft occurred during flight operations over a mountainous landscape. During the transit through this high-altitude area, the aircraft experienced a significant reduction in altitude. The descent continued until the plane impacted hilly terrain.

At the time of the impact, the status of the occupant remained unconfirmed, with no official word on whether there were any fatalities or injuries following the crash. The flight was occurring in a rugged environment characterized by significant topographical changes.

Findings

Investigations into the accident identified that the primary reason for the loss of altitude and subsequent impact was atmospheric turbulence and downdrafts. These meteorological conditions caused the aircraft to lose sufficient lift to maintain its flight path, leading to the uncontrolled descent into the hills.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by a loss of control resulting from severe atmospheric turbulence and downward air currents.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 30 Nov 1978 PZL-Mielec AN-2 accident near Nelkan, Russia?

A single-engine aircraft crashed into hilly terrain while operating over a mountainous region, leaving the status of the occupant uncertain.

Were there any fatalities in the 30 Nov 1978 PZL-Mielec AN-2 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 30 Nov 1978 involved a PZL-Mielec AN-2, registration CCCP-44958, operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines, at Nelkan, Russia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by a loss of control resulting from severe atmospheric turbulence and downward air currents.