4 fatalities

Training Flight Crash near Buguruslan Claims Four Lives (CCCP-02483)

Ponikla, RussiaLanding (descent or approach)

On January 22, 1983, a PZL-Mielec AN-2 (registration CCCP-02483) operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Ponikla, Russia during landing or approach. 4 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The exact cause of the accident could not be determined with certainty. However, it was reported that the engine failed en route after it got cold while operated in very low OAT. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-11Data APIEditorial standards

A single-engine training aircraft crashed in an open field near Ponikla after losing control in marginal winter weather. All four occupants, including a pilot, instructor, and two cadets, were killed.

Accident Summary

On a local training flight from Buguruslan Airport, a single-engine airplane carrying one pilot, one instructor, and two cadets experienced a loss of control in marginal weather conditions characterized by snowfall. The flight had departed at 1332 local time. After completing several circuits at an altitude of 700 meters, the crew informed air traffic control of their intention to descend to 300 meters. Shortly thereafter, control was lost and the aircraft descended, crashing in an open field in the area of Ponikla. The impact ignited a fire that destroyed the airplane. All four occupants sustained fatal injuries.

Investigation Findings

The official investigation into the accident concluded that the exact cause could not be determined with certainty. However, it was reported that the engine failed en route after becoming cold while operating in very low outside air temperature (OAT). The lack of crew experience and skills in winter conditions was considered a contributing factor.

Aircraft and Crew Details

The aircraft was a single-engine airplane used for training purposes. The crew comprised one pilot, one instructor, and two cadets. No further details about the aircraft type or registration were provided in the source.

Circumstances

Weather conditions at the time were marginal due to ongoing snowfall. The flight had executed several circuits at 700 meters before receiving clearance to descend. The loss of control occurred during the descent sequence, leading to the crash in an open field. The post-crash fire resulted in the complete destruction of the aircraft.

Probable cause

The exact cause of the accident could not be determined with certainty. However, it was reported that the engine failed en route after it got cold while operated in very low OAT. The lack of crew experience and skills in winter conditions was considered as a contributing factor.