Single-engine aircraft crash near Sufi-Kurgan

14 fatalities • Sufi-Kurgan, Kyrgyzstan • Flight

A single-engine aircraft crashed into a mountain slope during a flight from Dzhargital to Osh, resulting in the deaths of all 14 people on board.

What happened

During a flight segment traveling from Daraut-Kurgan toward Osh, an unspecified single-engine aircraft encountered severe weather characterized by heavy rain and thunderstorms. While operating on the leg between Dzhargital and Osh, the crew chose to proceed despite conditions falling below established minimums rather than returning to their previous location.

As a result of the inclement weather, the flight crew lost navigational orientation, causing the aircraft to drift approximately 10 km west of its intended course. The aircraft subsequently struck a steep mountain slope at an altitude of 4,000 metres. The impact occurred near a peak measuring 4,170 metres, situated roughly 15 km southwest of Sufi-Kurgan. Search teams located the wreckage two days after the incident. There were 14 fatalities and no survivors.

Findings

Investigations determined that the primary factor in the accident was the crew's decision to continue flight operations into adverse weather conditions. This choice led to a controlled flight into terrain.

Probable cause

The crew attempted to fly through thunderstorms and heavy rain instead of returning to safety, leading to a loss of orientation and impact with a mountain.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1968-07-21 PZL-Mielec AN-2 accident near Sufi-Kurgan, Kyrgyzstan?

A single-engine aircraft crashed into a mountain slope during a flight from Dzhargital to Osh, resulting in the deaths of all 14 people on board.

Were there any fatalities in the 1968-07-21 PZL-Mielec AN-2 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 14 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1968-07-21 involved a PZL-Mielec AN-2, registration CCCP-32209, operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines, at Sufi-Kurgan, Kyrgyzstan.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The crew attempted to fly through thunderstorms and heavy rain instead of returning to safety, leading to a loss of orientation and impact with a mountain.

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