9 fatalities

Crash After Passenger Entered Cockpit Kills Nine in Shyganak (CCCP-91788)

Shyganak, KazakhstanTakeoff (climb)

On July 18, 1974, a PZL-Mielec AN-2 (registration CCCP-91788) operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Shyganak, Kazakhstan during takeoff. 9 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: After a poor flight organization, the crew allowed a passenger to enter the cockpit without official permission. In unclear circumstances, the crew initiated unusual manoeuvres and full power was set on the engine that may have partially drowned. 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)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards

Shortly after takeoff, a passenger entered the cockpit. The aircraft performed unusual maneuvers, crashed near Shyganak, killing six initially and three later from injuries. Investigation cited poor flight organization and unauthorized cockpit access.

Accident

Shortly after departing from Shyganak, a passenger entered the cockpit and sat with both pilots. After the cockpit door was closed, the aircraft began unusual maneuvers. At an altitude of 150 meters, the crew changed heading to 270 degrees. Three minutes after takeoff, the airplane crashed in a desert area two kilometers west of the village.

Victims

Four passengers sustained serious injuries in the crash. Six other occupants, including both pilots, were killed. Several hours later, three of the four survivors died from their injuries.

Investigation

The official investigation determined that the accident resulted from poor flight organization. The crew allowed a passenger to enter the cockpit without official permission. In unclear circumstances, the crew initiated unusual maneuvers and set full power on the engine, which may have partially drowned. The airplane pitched down to 5 degrees, then banked right to an angle of 40 degrees. It struck the ground at a speed of 210 to 220 km/h and came to rest 110 meters further.

Probable cause

After a poor flight organization, the crew allowed a passenger to enter the cockpit without official permission. In unclear circumstances, the crew initiated unusual manoeuvres and full power was set on the engine that may have partially drowned. The airplane pitched down to 5° then banked right to an angle of 40° and struck the ground at a speed of 210–220 km/h before coming to rest 110 meters further.