Fatal crop-spraying accident near Engels

2 fatalities • Engels, Russia • Flight

A low-altitude crop-spraying flight resulted in a fatal crash near Engels, leading to the deaths of both crew members.

What happened

During an early morning agricultural mission for state farm n°592 near Engels, a crop-sprayer experienced a sudden loss of control. The flight operations commenced at 07:54 local time. While the aircraft was maintaining a low-altitude cruise, it began to exhibit unstable flight characteristics, specifically banking left and right at angles of approximately 45 degrees. Following these oscillations, the nose of the aircraft pitched downward to a 30-degree angle.

The subsequent uncontrolled descent resulted in the aircraft striking a field. The impact forces, combined with a post-crash fire, led to the total destruction of the airframe. There were two fatalities among the crew members involved in the mission.

Findings

Investigations into the accident concluded that the primary reason for the loss of control was an aerodynamic stall resulting from insufficient airspeed. Additionally, investigators noted that the pilot's level of experience was inadequate for the operation and identified that the individual had failed to pass their most recent medical examination.

Probable cause

The aircraft entered a stall due to low airspeed, compounded by the pilot's lack of experience and failure to meet medical certification requirements.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1976-06-20 PZL-Mielec AN-2 accident near Engels, Russia?

A low-altitude crop-spraying flight resulted in a fatal crash near Engels, leading to the deaths of both crew members.

Were there any fatalities in the 1976-06-20 PZL-Mielec AN-2 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 2 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1976-06-20 involved a PZL-Mielec AN-2, registration CCCP-70819, operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines, at Engels, Russia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft entered a stall due to low airspeed, compounded by the pilot's lack of experience and failure to meet medical certification requirements.

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