On February 26, 2020, a PZL-Mielec AN-2 (registration UP-A0001) operated by Orlan 2000 was involved in an aviation accident near Ust-Kamenogorsk, Kazakhstan during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft experienced engine malfunctions during the initial climb phase of flight. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A single-engine airplane performing an ambulance mission experienced engine failure during takeoff, resulting in an emergency landing in a snow-covered field.
What happened
An ambulance flight departed from Ust-Kamenogorsk Airport, bound for Aksuat, when the aircraft experienced mechanical difficulties. During the initial climb phase following takeoff, the crew identified significant issues with the engine. In response to the developing situation, the crew performed an emergency landing in a nearby field covered in snow.
Upon impact, the aircraft overturned and subsequently caught fire. Despite the intensity of the post-crash fire, all five occupants successfully evacuated the plane. While the single-engine airplane was completely destroyed in the incident, the crew and passengers sustained only minor injuries.
Probable cause
The aircraft experienced engine malfunctions during the initial climb phase of flight.