Engine failure during takeoff from Olenek Airport

No fatalities • Olenyok, Russia • Takeoff (climb)

An aircraft experienced a loss of engine power shortly after departing Olenek Airport, resulting in a stall and crash during an attempted emergency return.

What happened

On the afternoon of the incident, an aircraft departed from Olenek Airport at 16:51 local time. During the initial climb phase, while the aircraft had reached an altitude between 100 and 120 meters, the engine suffered a sudden loss of power.

In response to the power loss, the pilot attempted to execute a left-hand turn to perform an emergency landing at the departure airfield. However, during this maneuver, the aircraft entered a stall and impacted the ground approximately one minute after the initial takeoff. The impact resulted in the total destruction of the aircraft. There were five occupants on board, all of whom sustained injuries during the crash.

Findings

Investigations into the engine failure revealed that the loss of power was caused by a malfunction within the spark plugs. This failure was attributed to an excessive buildup of tetraethyl lead within the components.

Probable cause

The engine lost power because the spark plugs malfunctioned due to heavy accumulation of tetraethyl lead.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1979-10-13 PZL-Mielec AN-2 accident near Olenyok, Russia?

An aircraft experienced a loss of engine power shortly after departing Olenek Airport, resulting in a stall and crash during an attempted emergency return.

Were there any fatalities in the 1979-10-13 PZL-Mielec AN-2 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1979-10-13 involved a PZL-Mielec AN-2, registration CCCP-70805, operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines, at Olenyok, Russia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The engine lost power because the spark plugs malfunctioned due to heavy accumulation of tetraethyl lead.

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