FlightFinder
Check my flight
14 fatalities

Aircraft Crash Near Saratov-Tsentralny Airport (CCCP-05706)

Saratov-Tsentralny, RussiaLanding (descent or approach)

On October 27, 1978, a PZL-Mielec AN-2 (registration CCCP-05706) operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Saratov-Tsentralny, Russia during landing or approach. 14 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The crew continued the approach below weather minima and failed to see and avoid ground obstacles. 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 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft crashed in a wooded area 4.5 km west of Saratov-Tsentralny Airport during a descent in poor visibility. Fourteen occupants were killed, and two were seriously injured.

Incident Overview During a descent to Saratov-Tsentralny Airport, the crew contacted air traffic control and received clearance to continue the approach. The flight was conducted in poor visibility caused by low clouds and rain. The aircraft struck tree tops and crashed in a wooded area located 4.5 km west of the airport. The crew did not recognize that the aircraft's altitude was insufficient before impact. Due to the adverse weather conditions, rescue personnel arrived at the scene at 2200 local time in the evening. The copilot and an illegal passenger sustained serious injuries, while 14 other occupants were killed.

Probable cause

The crew continued the approach below weather minima and failed to see and avoid ground obstacles.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 27 Oct 1978 PZL-Mielec AN-2 accident near Saratov-Tsentralny, Russia?

An aircraft crashed in a wooded area 4.5 km west of Saratov-Tsentralny Airport during a descent in poor visibility. Fourteen occupants were killed, and two were seriously injured.

Were there any fatalities in the 27 Oct 1978 PZL-Mielec AN-2 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 14 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 27 Oct 1978 involved a PZL-Mielec AN-2, registration CCCP-05706, operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines, at Saratov-Tsentralny, Russia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The crew continued the approach below weather minima and failed to see and avoid ground obstacles.

More accident analyses