Fatal crash of agricultural aircraft during spraying mission

3 fatalities • Yulovsky, Russia • Flight

An aircraft crashed into a canal during a rice field spraying operation, resulting in the deaths of all three people on board.

What happened

During an agricultural mission for the Yulovky kolkhoz, an aircraft was performing crop spraying over rice fields. Approximately nine minutes after departing, the plane was operating at a low altitude when the crew lost control of the vehicle. The aircraft entered a 30-degree left bank before descending rapidly into a canal.

The impact resulted in the total destruction of the airframe. There were three fatalities and no survivors among the occupants.

Findings

Investigations into the accident identified several critical contributing factors. It was determined that the aircraft's total weight exceeded its maximum allowable gross weight by 284 kilos. Additionally, an unauthorized passenger was on board at the time of the flight. The crash was ultimately triggered by a loss of control following an unidentified distraction involving the crew.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by a loss of control due to crew distraction, compounded by an overweight takeoff and an unauthorized passenger.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1979-07-05 PZL-Mielec AN-2 accident near Yulovsky, Russia?

An aircraft crashed into a canal during a rice field spraying operation, resulting in the deaths of all three people on board.

Were there any fatalities in the 1979-07-05 PZL-Mielec AN-2 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 3 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1979-07-05 involved a PZL-Mielec AN-2, registration CCCP-29391, operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines, at Yulovsky, Russia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by a loss of control due to crew distraction, compounded by an overweight takeoff and an unauthorized passenger.

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