Aircraft crash near Esengeldy during fox hunting activity

No fatalities • Esengeldy, Kazakhstan • Flight

An aircraft crashed into a riverbank near Esengeldy after the crew attempted a sharp maneuver while engaged in a fox hunt.

What happened

During an unscheduled flight involving a change to the original itinerary, the crew engaged in a fox hunting activity. During this operation, the aircraft utilized skis mounted on both main landing gears to strike and kill five foxes. While attempting to target a sixth animal, the pilot executed a sharp turn that resulted in a loss of control.

As the aircraft maneuvered, it struck a steep riverbank situated in the vicinity of Esengeldy. The impact occurred during the low-altitude maneuvering phase of the flight. Following the collision, the status and whereabouts of the crew members remain undetermined.

Probable cause

The pilot's attempt to perform a sharp turn while hunting animals led to a collision with a riverbank.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1988-01-29 PZL-Mielec AN-2 accident near Esengeldy, Kazakhstan?

An aircraft crashed into a riverbank near Esengeldy after the crew attempted a sharp maneuver while engaged in a fox hunt.

Were there any fatalities in the 1988-01-29 PZL-Mielec AN-2 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1988-01-29 involved a PZL-Mielec AN-2, registration CCCP-44643, operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines, at Esengeldy, Kazakhstan.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's attempt to perform a sharp turn while hunting animals led to a collision with a riverbank.

Loading the flight search…