3 fatalities

Intoxicated Crew Crashes into Trees During Low-Altitude Maneuver in Russia (CCCP-19730)

Shurma, RussiaFlight

On June 26, 1990, a PZL-Mielec AN-2 (registration CCCP-19730) operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Shurma, Russia in flight. 3 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Both pilots were intoxicated at the time of the accident. The captain had a level of 2,1‰ of alcohol in blood and 2,8‰ for the copilot. 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 ferry flight from Malmyzh to Kirov ended in a crash after the crew attempted a risky low-altitude maneuver, struck trees, and burst into flames. All three occupants were killed; both pilots were intoxicated.

Accident Overview

A ferry flight from Malmyzh to Kirov, with an intermediate stop in Kaksinvai, ended in a crash shortly after departing the intermediate stop. The aircraft departed Kaksinvai at 1715 local time on the second leg of the flight. Shortly after departure, the crew attempted a risky maneuver at very low height, during which the aircraft struck trees and crashed in a wooded area located 15 kilometers east of Shurma. The aircraft burst into flames upon impact.

Occupants and Fatalities

The aircraft carried three occupants: both pilots and a sole passenger, who was an aircraft mechanic seated in the second pilot's seat. All three were killed in the accident.

Intoxication of the Crew

At the time of the accident, the crew was intoxicated. Official findings determined that both pilots had significant blood alcohol levels. The captain had a blood alcohol concentration of 2.1‰, and the copilot had a level of 2.8‰.

Official Probable Cause

The probable cause of the accident, as stated in the official investigation, was that both pilots were intoxicated at the time of the accident.