On April 23, 1966, a PZL-Mielec AN-2 (registration CCCP-02807) operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Labinsk, Russia in flight. 3 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot-in-command attempted a sharp turn at low height with a bank angle of at least 45°, exceeding the maximum allowed 30°. The crew was believed to be distracted at the time of the loss of control. 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.
Three people died when a crop spraying aircraft crashed near Labinsk after the pilot attempted a sharp turn at low height, exceeding the maximum bank angle.
Accident Details
A crop spraying aircraft was conducting a mission for a local sovkhoz approximately 12 km east of the city of Labinsk. While flying at low altitude, the pilot-in-command initiated a sharp turn, during which control of the aircraft was lost. The aircraft banked to an angle between 50° and 60° before crashing in an open field. All three occupants—the two pilots and a sole passenger who was an aircraft mechanic—were killed.
Probable Cause
Investigators determined that the loss of control was caused by the pilot-in-command attempting to make a sharp turn at low height at an angle of at least 45°, which is prohibited as the maximum allowed bank angle in such maneuvers is 30°. It is believed that the crew was distracted at the time of the loss of control.
What happened in the 23 Apr 1966 PZL-Mielec AN-2 accident near Labinsk, Russia?
Three people died when a crop spraying aircraft crashed near Labinsk after the pilot attempted a sharp turn at low height, exceeding the maximum bank angle.
Were there any fatalities in the 23 Apr 1966 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 23 Apr 1966 involved a PZL-Mielec AN-2, registration CCCP-02807, operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines, at Labinsk, Russia.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot-in-command attempted a sharp turn at low height with a bank angle of at least 45°, exceeding the maximum allowed 30°. The crew was believed to be distracted at the time of the loss of control.
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