1 fatality

Intoxicated Pilot Dies in Crop-Spraying Aircraft Crash Near Šilale (CCCP-05856)

Šilalė, LithuaniaFlight

On August 25, 1965, a PZL-Mielec AN-2 (registration CCCP-05856) operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Šilalė, Lithuania in flight. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Intoxicated pilot. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot with a blood alcohol level of 2.8‰ died after crashing a single-engine aircraft into trees during an unauthorized flight following crop-spraying operations near Šilale.

Accident Overview

An unauthorized flight conducted by an intoxicated pilot ended in a fatal crash shortly after sunrise near the town of Šilale. The pilot, who had been involved in crop-spraying operations in the region, took off despite being under the influence of alcohol.

Sequence of Events

Minutes after departure, the single-engine airplane struck trees and erupted in flames approximately 7 kilometers from the airstrip. The impact and subsequent fire completely destroyed the aircraft.

Pilot Condition

Examination of the pilot's remains revealed a blood alcohol concentration of 2.8‰, well above legal limits for operation of any vehicle.

Aircraft Damage

The airplane was consumed by fire, leaving no salvageable components.

Probable cause

Intoxicated pilot.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 25 Aug 1965 PZL-Mielec AN-2 accident near Šilalė, Lithuania?

A pilot with a blood alcohol level of 2.8‰ died after crashing a single-engine aircraft into trees during an unauthorized flight following crop-spraying operations near Šilale.

Were there any fatalities in the 25 Aug 1965 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 25 Aug 1965 involved a PZL-Mielec AN-2, registration CCCP-05856, operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines, at Šilalė, Lithuania.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Intoxicated pilot.