Single-engine aircraft crash during departure from Pravda State farm

2 fatalities • Yakkabog, Uzbekistan • Takeoff (climb)

An aircraft crashed into a cotton field shortly after takeoff while the crew was attempting to return to the nearest airport following crop spraying operations.

What happened

Following several daytime agricultural spraying missions conducted for the 'Pravda' State farm, the flight crew initiated a departure in the evening to transit to the closest airfield. Approximately one minute after lifting off from the departure point, the single-engine airplane reached an altitude of 300 meters while maintaining a speed of 140 km/h. During this climb, the aircraft transitioned into a nose-high pitch and subsequently rolled to the left at an angle of 60 degrees.

This maneuver led to an aerodynamic stall, causing the plane to impact the ground within a cotton field situated 4,080 meters from the takeoff location. The accident resulted in two fatalities, as both members of the crew perished in the crash.

Findings

Official investigations concluded that the accident was caused by the crew's failure to adhere to the operational procedures outlined in the aircraft's Flight Manual, specifically regarding chapter 7 'Flight Operations'. This deviation from established protocols led to a maneuver involving a roll angle that exceeded permitted limits.

Probable cause

The crew performed a turn with a roll angle exceeding the allowable limits specified in the flight manual.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1981-07-18 PZL-Mielec AN-2 accident near Yakkabog, Uzbekistan?

An aircraft crashed into a cotton field shortly after takeoff while the crew was attempting to return to the nearest airport following crop spraying operations.

Were there any fatalities in the 1981-07-18 PZL-Mielec AN-2 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 2 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1981-07-18 involved a PZL-Mielec AN-2, registration CCCP-54959, operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines, at Yakkabog, Uzbekistan.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The crew performed a turn with a roll angle exceeding the allowable limits specified in the flight manual.

Loading the flight search…