Fatal aircraft crash near Shalkar during unauthorized flight

7 fatalities • Shalkar, Kazakhstan • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft crashed in a field near Shalkar after an attempted go-around, resulting in the deaths of all seven people on board.

What happened

During an afternoon mission involving the management of gas compression stations 10, 11, and 12 in the Shalkar region, a flight departed at 17:45 local time. The aircraft initially carried two unauthorized passengers. Shortly after takeoff, the crew performed a brief stop to collect three more individuals intended for a wedding celebration.

The flight proceeded at an altitude ranging between 100 and 150 meters. Environmental conditions were challenging due to nighttime, mist, and light rain, which significantly reduced visibility. Although vehicles were positioned at the destination with their headlights activated to mark the landing zone, the crew could not accurately identify the intended area and initiated a go-around.

During this maneuver at low altitude, the aircraft pitched forward into a nose-down position before banking right at a 60-degree angle. The plane struck a field at a speed of 200 km/h. The impact caused the total destruction of the aircraft and resulted in seven fatalities. All occupants were ejected from the wreckage, with some individuals located 136 meters away from the crash site.

Findings

Investigations revealed that the crew members had consumed alcohol prior to the flight. Furthermore, the pilot lacked the necessary qualifications for night operations and was not authorized to conduct this specific flight. The presence of five unauthorized passengers was also confirmed.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by the crew operating the aircraft while intoxicated and without proper night flight certification.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1982-09-16 PZL-Mielec AN-2 accident near Shalkar, Kazakhstan?

An aircraft crashed in a field near Shalkar after an attempted go-around, resulting in the deaths of all seven people on board.

Were there any fatalities in the 1982-09-16 PZL-Mielec AN-2 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 7 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1982-09-16 involved a PZL-Mielec AN-2, registration CCCP-29310, operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines, at Shalkar, Kazakhstan.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by the crew operating the aircraft while intoxicated and without proper night flight certification.

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