Aircraft crash near Perekopivka following pilot disorientation

1 fatality • Perekopivka, Ukraine • Takeoff (climb)

A flight involving two crew members resulted in a crash near the Bilovodske Airstrip after the pilot experienced spatial disorientation during a night flight.

What happened

During an evening flight departing from Bilovodske, a crew consisting of a pilot and a flight mechanic was involved in a fatal aviation accident. Prior to the flight, the crew had consumed alcohol throughout the evening. Due to an inability to secure lodging in Bilovodske, the decision was made to return to Nedryhailiv.

Shortly after taking off from Bilovodske under night conditions, the pilot lost situational awareness and attempted to redirect the aircraft. During this phase of flight, the pilot experienced spatial disorientation, leading to a loss of control of the aircraft. The plane subsequently crashed at a location approximately 2 km east of Perekopivka, situated about 3 km south of the Bilovodske Airstrip.

Findings

  • The crew members were under the influence of alcohol at the time of the flight.
  • The pilot suffered from spatial disorientation during the night operation.
  • The accident resulted in two total casualties, with one occupant sustaining serious injuries and the other occupant dying in a hospital 15 days after the event.

Probable cause

The pilot experienced spatial disorientation during a night flight following the consumption of alcohol by the crew.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1991-06-13 PZL-Mielec AN-2 accident near Perekopivka, Ukraine?

A flight involving two crew members resulted in a crash near the Bilovodske Airstrip after the pilot experienced spatial disorientation during a night flight.

Were there any fatalities in the 1991-06-13 PZL-Mielec AN-2 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1991-06-13 involved a PZL-Mielec AN-2, registration CCCP-40988, operated by Air Ukraine (Avialinii Ukrainy), at Perekopivka, Ukraine.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot experienced spatial disorientation during a night flight following the consumption of alcohol by the crew.

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