Fatal aircraft crash near Doūbizna during unauthorized flight

4 fatalities • Doūbizna, Belarus • Flight

A crop spraying mission turned fatal when an aircraft crashed near Doūbizna after a steep turn, resulting in four fatalities.

What happened

During an evening operation for the 'Rossiya' collective farm, located approximately 40 km north of Brest, the crew conducted an unauthorized local flight. The aircraft was carrying two additional passengers who were not part of the original mission. While operating at an altitude between 15 and 20 meters, the pilot-in-command executed a sharp left-hand turn. This maneuver caused the aircraft to roll at a 45-degree angle, leading the left wing to make contact with the ground roughly 600 meters southwest of Doūbizna.

Following the initial impact, the aircraft lost control and traveled an additional 89 meters before crashing and catching fire. The accident resulted in four fatalities, leaving no survivors among the occupants.

Findings

Investigations into the crash determined that the crew had decided to perform a flight without proper authorization while carrying unauthorized passengers. A critical factor in the accident was that both pilots were operating under the influence of alcohol. Laboratory analysis confirmed that the captain had a blood alcohol concentration of 2.3‰, while the copilot's level was measured at 1.6‰.

Probable cause

The crash was caused by the pilots operating the aircraft while intoxicated during an unauthorized flight.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1989-05-11 PZL-Mielec AN-2 accident near Doūbizna, Belarus?

A crop spraying mission turned fatal when an aircraft crashed near Doūbizna after a steep turn, resulting in four fatalities.

Were there any fatalities in the 1989-05-11 PZL-Mielec AN-2 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 4 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1989-05-11 involved a PZL-Mielec AN-2, registration CCCP-54891, operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines, at Doūbizna, Belarus.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The crash was caused by the pilots operating the aircraft while intoxicated during an unauthorized flight.

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