2 fatalities

Stall During Steep Climb Leads to Fatal Crash of Spraying Aircraft (CCCP-56524)

Olhyne, UkraineFlight

On April 15, 1989, a PZL-Mielec AN-2 (registration CCCP-56524) operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Olhyne, Ukraine in flight. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The captain initiated a local flight with unauthorized people on board. At the time of the accident, both people were intoxicated. The captain had a blood alcohol level of 1.9‰. 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)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-11Data APIEditorial standards

A captain took off without his copilot for a local flight, accompanied by an unauthorized person. After low passes, the aircraft stalled during a steep climb, crashed into a field, and caught fire. Both occupants were killed.

Accident Overview

The aircraft had been dispatched in Olhyne for a spraying mission since January 25. On the morning of the accident, the captain decided to take off without his copilot for a local flight and was accompanied by an unauthorized person. The flight involved low passes, after which the captain initiated a steep climb. During the climb, the airplane experienced an excessive angle of attack and stalled. The nose dropped, and the aircraft struck the ground at an angle of 45°, crashing in a field and bursting into flames. Both occupants sustained fatal injuries.

Official Findings

The official investigation determined the probable cause: The captain initiated a local flight with unauthorized people on board. At the time of the accident, both individuals were intoxicated. The captain had a blood alcohol level of 1.9‰.