Disappearance and discovery of aircraft near Serov Airport

13 fatalities • Serov, Russia • Flight

An aircraft carrying 13 people disappeared on June 11, 2012, following an unauthorized departure from Serov Airport, with wreckage later found in a marshland.

What happened

On the night of June 11, 2012, an aircraft departed from Serov Airport at approximately 22:00 local time. The flight was an unauthorized trip with an unspecified destination. The aircraft, carrying a total of 13 occupants, failed to arrive at its intended location and was subsequently reported missing.

Following the disappearance, local authorities conducted an extensive search and rescue operation covering an area exceeding 275,000 square kilometers. This search continued for several weeks, concluding on July 23, 2012, without any findings.

Nearly a year later, on May 5, 2013, local hunters discovered the remains of the aircraft in a marshland area located roughly 10 km southwest of Serov Airport. The discovery included burnt wreckage and the skeletal remains of the passengers and crew.

Findings

Reports regarding the flight suggest that the occupants, which included several local law enforcement officials, may have been under the influence of alcohol at the time of departure. The aircraft was lost during an unauthorized flight involving a group of individuals traveling for recreational purposes.

Probable cause

The aircraft was lost during an unauthorized flight involving passengers who may have been intoxicated.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2012-06-11 PZL-Mielec AN-2 accident near Serov, Russia?

An aircraft carrying 13 people disappeared on June 11, 2012, following an unauthorized departure from Serov Airport, with wreckage later found in a marshland.

Were there any fatalities in the 2012-06-11 PZL-Mielec AN-2 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 13 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2012-06-11 involved a PZL-Mielec AN-2, registration RA-40312, operated by Avia-Zov, at Serov, Russia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft was lost during an unauthorized flight involving passengers who may have been intoxicated.

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