No fatalities

Overloaded Single-Engine Airplane Stalls and Crashes Shortly After Takeoff; All 22 Occupants Injured (CCCP-09611)

Khabarovsk, RussiaTakeoff (climb)

On December 27, 1974, a PZL-Mielec AN-2 (registration CCCP-09611) operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Khabarovsk, Russia during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The total weight of the aircraft at the time of the accident was well above MTOW with 20 passengers on board, eight more than the 12 seats certified. 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.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A single-engine airplane carrying 20 passengers—eight more than its certified 12 seats—stalled and crashed near the runway end shortly after takeoff. All 22 occupants sustained injuries, and the aircraft was destroyed.

Event Description

Shortly after departing from the runway, the single-engine airplane experienced difficulties in gaining altitude. The aircraft began to roll left and right, subsequently stalled, and crashed near the runway end. The flight was likely operating under visual flight rules, though no further details about weather conditions or air traffic control interactions were provided.

Injuries and Damage

All 22 individuals on board—comprising two crew members and 20 passengers—sustained injuries during the accident sequence. The aircraft was damaged beyond repair, indicating a complete loss of the airframe.

Probable Cause

According to the official investigation, the probable cause of the accident was that the total weight of the aircraft at the time of the accident was well above the maximum takeoff weight (MTOW). The airplane carried 20 passengers, which exceeded its certified seating capacity of 12 passengers by eight individuals. This overweight condition likely compromised the aircraft's performance, leading to the stall and subsequent crash.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 27 Dec 1974 PZL-Mielec AN-2 accident near Khabarovsk, Russia?

A single-engine airplane carrying 20 passengers—eight more than its certified 12 seats—stalled and crashed near the runway end shortly after takeoff. All 22 occupants sustained injuries, and the aircraft was destroyed.

Were there any fatalities in the 27 Dec 1974 PZL-Mielec AN-2 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 27 Dec 1974 involved a PZL-Mielec AN-2, registration CCCP-09611, operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines, at Khabarovsk, Russia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The total weight of the aircraft at the time of the accident was well above MTOW with 20 passengers on board, eight more than the 12 seats certified.