Fatal aircraft crash near Malakhovo during unauthorized flight

3 fatalities • Malakhovo, Russia • Flight

An aircraft crashed in a wooded area near Tuma, resulting in the deaths of all three people on board following an unauthorized low-altitude maneuver.

What happened

Prior to sunrise, an aircraft was engaged in an unsanctioned recreational flight while performing agricultural spraying duties for a local state farm in the Spas-Klepiki district of the Ryazan region. During this period, the crew executed an unauthorized maneuver at a low altitude near Tuma. This action led to a loss of control, causing the aircraft to impact a wooded area situated approximately 3 km southeast of Malakhovo.

Upon impact, the aircraft ignited and was completely destroyed by fire. There were three fatalities recorded, consisting of both pilots and one passenger.

Findings

Investigations into the accident revealed that the crew members were under the influence of alcohol at the time of the flight. Specifically, testing determined that the captain's blood alcohol concentration was 3.3 ‰. The intoxicated state of the crew was identified as the primary factor leading to the loss of control during the low-altitude maneuver.

Probable cause

The crew operated the aircraft while heavily intoxicated, leading to an unauthorized maneuver and subsequent loss of control.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1971-05-31 PZL-Mielec AN-2 accident near Malakhovo, Russia?

An aircraft crashed in a wooded area near Tuma, resulting in the deaths of all three people on board following an unauthorized low-altitude maneuver.

Were there any fatalities in the 1971-05-31 PZL-Mielec AN-2 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 3 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1971-05-31 involved a PZL-Mielec AN-2, registration CCCP-32076, operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines, at Malakhovo, Russia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The crew operated the aircraft while heavily intoxicated, leading to an unauthorized maneuver and subsequent loss of control.

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