Crop spraying aircraft crash near Yablunivka

2 fatalities • Yablunivka, Ukraine • Flight

A crop spraying mission ended in a fatal accident near Yablunivka when an aircraft lost control during a turn, resulting in the deaths of both crew members.

What happened

On a scheduled agricultural mission for the 'Shlyuent Ilitch' sovkhoz, an aircraft departed from Yablunivka at 12:58 local time. The flight was performing crop spraying operations at low altitudes, specifically between 30 and 70 meters above the ground.

Approximately seven minutes after takeoff, while the aircraft was executing a turn to the right, the plane became uncontrollable. The aircraft descended rapidly into an open field situated roughly 5 km southeast of Yablunivka. The impact occurred at a velocity of 226 km/h. While the wreckage did not ignite following the collision, the force of the crash resulted in the total destruction of the aircraft. Both members of the crew sustained fatal injuries.

Findings

Investigators were unable to establish a definitive cause for the accident with absolute certainty. However, evidence suggested that the flight controls became unresponsive during the maneuver. It is believed that a metallic cylinder containing a first-aid kit, positioned beneath the co-pilot's seat, shifted and became lodged between the seat and the control column, jamming the steering mechanism.

Probable cause

The aircraft likely became uncontrollable because a metallic medical kit shifted into a position that jammed the control column.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1978-09-08 PZL-Mielec AN-2 accident near Yablunivka, Ukraine?

A crop spraying mission ended in a fatal accident near Yablunivka when an aircraft lost control during a turn, resulting in the deaths of both crew members.

Were there any fatalities in the 1978-09-08 PZL-Mielec AN-2 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 2 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1978-09-08 involved a PZL-Mielec AN-2, registration CCCP-35112, operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines, at Yablunivka, Ukraine.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft likely became uncontrollable because a metallic medical kit shifted into a position that jammed the control column.

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