2 fatalities

Crew Distraction Leads to Crop-Spraying Accident in Khakassia (CCCP-09228)

Abakan, RussiaFlight

On June 21, 1973, a PZL-Mielec AN-2 (registration CCCP-09228) operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Abakan, Russia in flight. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Crew distraction. 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 crop-spraying aircraft crashed in a field near Abakan during a turn at low altitude, killing the pilot and a local guide and seriously injuring the second pilot. The official probable cause was crew distraction.

Accident

A crop-spraying aircraft operating for the sovkhoz (state farm) 'Rossiya' in the Altai district of Khakassia crashed while performing a turn at an altitude of 15–20 meters. The aircraft dove into the ground and struck a field located approximately 45 kilometers south of Abakan.

Occupants and Injuries

The pilot and a passenger, who was a local guide, sustained fatal injuries. A second pilot was seriously injured in the accident.

Investigation

Investigators determined that the crew became distracted from piloting duties for an unknown reason during the flight. The distraction occurred while the aircraft was executing a turn at low altitude, leading to a loss of control and impact with terrain.

Probable Cause

The official probable cause of the accident was crew distraction.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 21 Jun 1973 PZL-Mielec AN-2 accident near Abakan, Russia?

A crop-spraying aircraft crashed in a field near Abakan during a turn at low altitude, killing the pilot and a local guide and seriously injuring the second pilot. The official probable cause was crew distraction.

Were there any fatalities in the 21 Jun 1973 PZL-Mielec AN-2 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 2 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 21 Jun 1973 involved a PZL-Mielec AN-2, registration CCCP-09228, operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines, at Abakan, Russia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Crew distraction