On May 8, 1972, a PZL-Mielec AN-2 (registration CCCP-45292) operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Devyaternya, Russia during takeoff. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The crew's decision to take off facing the wooded area, with orographic waves as a contributing factor. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
During a crop-spraying mission in Devyaternya, Tatarstan, the crew took off towards a forest, struck 24-meter-high birch trees, and crashed in flames 1,162 meters from departure. The aircraft was destroyed and both pilots were killed. Official findings cite wrong takeoff direction and orographic waves.
Accident Details
A crop-spraying flight was conducted for the Karl Marx collective farm in Devyaternya, Argyz district of Tatarstan. The crew chose to take off from an area facing a forest. After liftoff, while climbing, the aircraft struck birch trees 24 meters in height. It then crashed in flames approximately 1,162 meters from the departure point. The aircraft was destroyed by a post-crash fire. Both pilots were killed. Weather conditions at the time of the accident were reported as good.
Investigation Findings
The official investigation determined that the crew made the wrong decision by taking off in the direction of the wooded area. Additionally, the presence of orographic waves was considered a contributing factor to the accident.
Probable cause
The crew's decision to take off facing the wooded area, with orographic waves as a contributing factor.