2 fatalities

Agricultural Aircraft Strikes Power Cables, Crashes in Chuvashia (CCCP-31496)

Cheboksary, RussiaFlight

On July 21, 1989, a PZL-Mielec AN-2 (registration CCCP-31496) operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Cheboksary, Russia in flight. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The crew was flying at a too low altitude and realized the presence of the high tension wires too late to avoid a collision. 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

A single-engine agricultural aircraft struck power cables while spraying a potato field near Cheboksary, crashed 195 meters further, and burst into flames, killing both pilots.

Accident Overview

While conducting a spraying mission over a potato field for the sovkhoz of Novocheboksary, east of the village of Kugesi in the Cheboksary suburb, a single-engine aircraft struck power cables at a height of 15-20 meters. The aircraft subsequently turned to the right and crashed 195 meters beyond the point of impact. The wreckage burst into flames.

Crew and Aircraft

The crew consisted of two pilots, both of whom were killed in the accident. No registration or type of aircraft was provided in the official report.

Crash Sequence

According to the official investigation, the aircraft was flying at an altitude of 15-20 meters when it encountered high-tension wires. After striking the cables, the aircraft banked right and continued for 195 meters before hitting the ground and catching fire.

Probable Cause

The official findings state that the crew was flying at a too low altitude and realized the presence of the high tension wires too late to avoid a collision.