5 fatalities

Engine Failure on Approach to Tiksi Leads to Crash in Bay; Five Killed (CCCP-44984)

Tiksi, RussiaLanding (descent or approach)

On September 26, 1969, a PZL-Mielec AN-2 (registration CCCP-44984) operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Tiksi, Russia during landing or approach. 5 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The engine failed on approach to Tiksi Airport due to the failure of exhaust valves, pistons and cylinders. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 5 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

An aircraft on final approach to Tiksi Airport experienced an engine failure at 300m altitude, stalled, and crashed into Tiksi Bay. One passenger rescued, five occupants killed.

Accident

On final approach to Tiksi, during night and poor weather conditions, the aircraft was at an altitude of 300 meters and a speed of 150 km/h when the engine failed. The airplane subsequently stalled and crashed into Tiksi Bay, approximately 2.5 km from the runway threshold.

Occupants

One passenger was rescued, while five other occupants were killed.

Probable Cause

The official investigation determined the probable cause to be an engine failure on approach to Tiksi Airport due to the failure of exhaust valves, pistons, and cylinders. It was also determined that the cylinder head temperature decreased on final approach and that the carburetor was iced, causing the engine to lose power and the aircraft to suffer a reduction of aerodynamic performances.