On June 24, 1997, a PZL-Mielec AN-2 (registration RA-68063) operated by Lipetsk Aviation Enterprise was involved in an aviation accident near Lipetsk, Russia in flight. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The decision of the copilot to perform a solo flight without permission with an aircraft which apparently had technical problems. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
During a spraying mission, the captain noted elevator control tab problems and decided to return. The copilot then took off without permission, struck a concrete electric pole, and crashed. The pilot was uninjured; the aircraft was destroyed.
Incident Details
According to the investigation report, the aircraft was conducting a spraying mission on behalf of the Dobrinsky farm in Lipetsk. While in flight, the captain observed problems with the elevator control tabs and made the decision to return to base for corrective action. While the captain and a mechanic were occupied with the control issue, the copilot decided to take off alone. Shortly after departure, the aircraft struck the concrete block of an electric pole measuring 12 meters in height. The impact caused the aircraft to crash in a field. The pilot escaped uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage beyond repair.
Probable Cause
The official findings identified the probable cause as the decision of the copilot to perform a solo flight without permission with an aircraft which apparently had technical problems.
What happened in the 24 Jun 1997 PZL-Mielec AN-2 accident near Lipetsk, Russia?
During a spraying mission, the captain noted elevator control tab problems and decided to return. The copilot then took off without permission, struck a concrete electric pole, and crashed. The pilot was uninjured; the aircraft was destroyed.
Were there any fatalities in the 24 Jun 1997 PZL-Mielec AN-2 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 24 Jun 1997 involved a PZL-Mielec AN-2, registration RA-68063, operated by Lipetsk Aviation Enterprise, at Lipetsk, Russia.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The decision of the copilot to perform a solo flight without permission with an aircraft which apparently had technical problems.
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