15 fatalities

1992-10-19: PZL-Mielec AN-28 (CCCP-28785) — Komi Avia — Ust-Nem, Russia

Ust-Nem, RussiaTakeoff (climb)

On October 19, 1992, a PZL-Mielec AN-28 (registration CCCP-28785) operated by Komi Avia was involved in an aviation accident near Ust-Nem, Russia during takeoff. 15 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The left engine failed during initial climb after wet snow entered the air intake, with the takeoff completed from a runway covered with slush and wet snow. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 3 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781210610Data APIEditorial standards

Shortly after takeoff from Ust-Nem Airport, at about 30 meters altitude, the left engine failed and its propeller autofeathered. The crew retracted flaps, causing a left roll and high angle of attack. The aircraft struck trees and crashed 500 meters from the runway, bursting into flames. One passenger was injured; 15 other occupants were killed.

Accident

After departing from Ust-Nem Airport, the aircraft climbed to an approximate altitude of 30 meters when the left engine ceased operation and its propeller automatically feathered. The flight crew then retracted the flaps, leading the aircraft to roll to the left and assume a high angle of attack. It subsequently collided with trees and impacted terrain in a wooded area located 500 meters from the runway, erupting in flames. One passenger sustained injuries, and the other 15 occupants on board were killed.

Probable Cause

Investigators determined that the left engine failed during the initial climb because wet snow had entered the air intake. The takeoff had been performed from a runway covered with slush and wet snow. This condition was identified as the probable cause of the accident.

Contributing Factors

Several factors were noted as contributing to the accident: the crew retracted the flaps prematurely; the crew lacked adequate training on this specific aircraft type; and there was insufficient distance from the ground to allow for recovery from the abnormal flight attitude.