2 fatalities

Crop Spraying Aircraft Strikes Power Tower in Krasnogvardeyets (CCCP-02550)

Krasnogvardeyets, RussiaFlight

On May 29, 1982, a PZL-Mielec AN-2 (registration CCCP-02550) operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Krasnogvardeyets, Russia in flight. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The crew was flying at an altitude too low, was distracted, and the decision to avoid collision was taken too late. 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)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-11Data APIEditorial standards

While on a local crop spraying mission, an aircraft flying at an altitude of 50 meters below the minimum safety height collided with a power tower during an evasive maneuver. The copilot was killed and the captain died shortly after.

Accident Summary

On the day of the accident, a crew was engaged in a local crop spraying mission in Krasnogvardeyets. The aircraft took off at 0658 local time and proceeded at a low altitude of approximately 50 meters, which was below the minimum safety altitude for the area.

Sequence of Events

While executing a right turn with a 30-degree bank, the crew observed a power line ahead. An evasive maneuver was initiated, but during this action, the aircraft descended and collided with the concrete block of a power tower. The impact resulted in the death of the copilot at the scene, and the captain sustained serious injuries and died a few hours later.

Probable Cause

According to the official investigation, the accident occurred because the crew was flying at an altitude too low for the conditions and was distracted. Additionally, the decision to avoid the obstacle was made too late. No alcohol was detected in the pilots' blood.