No fatalities

2025-02-05: PZL-Mielec AN-2 (UP-A0123) — Navigator — Arkalyk, Kazakhstan

Arkalyk, KazakhstanLanding (descent or approach)

On February 5, 2025, a PZL-Mielec AN-2 (registration UP-A0123) operated by Navigator was involved in an aviation accident near Arkalyk, Kazakhstan during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft struck the ground short of the runway due to controlled flight into terrain during heavy snow and low visibility. 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.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781188605Data APIEditorial standards

A single-engine aircraft performing a medical transport mission crashed short of the runway in Arkalyk due to heavy snowfall and low visibility.

What happened

A medical transport mission originating from Kostanay ended in an accident during the approach to Arkalyk Airport. The flight, which was tasked with transporting two medical professionals, departed Kostanay as an ambulance service. On board were a total of four people, including the crew and doctors.

As the single engine airplane prepared for its final approach to the destination, the flight encountered severe weather characterized by heavy snowfall. This resulted in significantly reduced visibility for the crew. While attempting to land, the aircraft struck the ground in a field covered in snow, approximately 1.5 km before reaching the runway.

Despite the impact, there were no fatalities or injuries reported among the four occupants. All individuals on board were successfully rescued from the site following the crash landing.

Findings

The investigation determined that the primary factor in the accident was controlled flight into terrain caused by the challenging meteorological conditions during the approach phase.

Probable cause

The aircraft struck the ground short of the runway due to controlled flight into terrain during heavy snow and low visibility.