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Crop Spraying Accident Near Novoaleksandrovsk (CCCP-32079)

Novoaleksandrovsk, RussiaFlight

On September 23, 1978, a PZL-Mielec AN-2 (registration CCCP-32079) operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Novoaleksandrovsk, Russia in flight. 3 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: It was determined that the crew was intoxicated. Analysis revealed an alcohol level of 4.04‰ in the captain's blood and 0.43‰ in the copilot's blood. It was not possible to determine who was the pilot-in-command at the time of the accident. 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)Source recordUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A single-engine airplane on a crop spraying mission crashed in flames in an open field near Novoaleksandrovsk, killing all three occupants. Investigation found crew intoxication.

Accident

A single-engine airplane engaged in a crop spraying mission for the 'Lenin' kolkhoz in Novoaleksandrovsk crashed under unknown circumstances. After completing several circuits in the morning, the aircraft was flying at a distance of 800 meters and a height of approximately 40 meters when it nosed down and impacted an open field, erupting in flames. The aircraft was destroyed, and all three occupants were killed.

Investigation

Official investigation into the accident determined that the crew was intoxicated. Toxicological analysis revealed a blood alcohol level of 4.04‰ in the captain and 0.43‰ in the copilot. It was not possible to determine which crew member was pilot-in-command at the time of the accident.

Probable Cause

The official probable cause stated that the crew was intoxicated, with alcohol levels of 4.04‰ in the captain's blood and 0.43‰ in the copilot's blood. Additionally, it could not be determined who was pilot-in-command at the time.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 23 Sept 1978 PZL-Mielec AN-2 accident near Novoaleksandrovsk, Russia?

A single-engine airplane on a crop spraying mission crashed in flames in an open field near Novoaleksandrovsk, killing all three occupants. Investigation found crew intoxication.

Were there any fatalities in the 23 Sept 1978 PZL-Mielec AN-2 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 3 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 23 Sept 1978 involved a PZL-Mielec AN-2, registration CCCP-32079, operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines, at Novoaleksandrovsk, Russia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

It was determined that the crew was intoxicated. Analysis revealed an alcohol level of 4.04‰ in the captain's blood and 0.43‰ in the copilot's blood. It was not possible to determine who was the pilot-in-command at the time of the accident.

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