No fatalities

1994-06-21: PZL-Mielec AN-2 (RA-40788) — Tatarstan Airlines — Kholodnyy Klyuch, Russia

Kholodnyy Klyuch, RussiaFlight

On June 21, 1994, a PZL-Mielec AN-2 (registration RA-40788) operated by Tatarstan Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Kholodnyy Klyuch, Russia in flight. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Loss of control after the pilot suffered spatial disorientation while flying in foggy conditions. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 3 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781208920Data APIEditorial standards

A copilot conducting an illegal crop spraying survey near Kholodnyy Klyuch crashed after spatial disorientation in fog. The pilot was slightly injured; aircraft destroyed.

Incident Overview

A copilot, acting as the sole occupant, made the decision to undertake an illegal survey flight intended for crop spraying operations in the vicinity of Kholodnyy Klyuch. The flight was unauthorized and conducted without proper clearance.

Flight Progression

En route to the survey area, the aircraft encountered low-lying patches of fog. The presence of fog led to the pilot experiencing spatial disorientation, a condition where the pilot's perception of position and motion becomes impaired.

Loss of Control

As a consequence of the spatial disorientation, the pilot lost control of the aircraft. The aircraft then descended uncontrollably and impacted the ground.

Aftermath

The pilot sustained minor injuries as a result of the crash. The aircraft itself was damaged beyond repair, indicating that it was completely destroyed and not salvageable.

Probable Cause

According to the official accident investigation, the probable cause was determined to be a loss of control after the pilot suffered spatial disorientation while flying in foggy conditions.