Fatal aircraft crash during night approach at Pavlovsk Airfield

3 fatalities • Pavlovsk, Russia • Landing (descent or approach)

A single-engine aircraft crashed short of the runway during a night approach in Pavlovsk, resulting in the deaths of all three people on board.

What happened

During a scheduled crop spraying mission, a single-engine aircraft departed from Pavlovsk carrying a crew of three, which included two pilots and one technician. While performing a night approach toward Pavlovsk Airfield, the aircraft's altitude decreased significantly without the crew noticing the error.

As the aircraft reached the final approach phase, the lower wings struck a line of trees measuring approximately 10 meters in height. This impact caused the aircraft to roll to the left at a 45-degree angle. The flight ended when the plane crashed 390 meters before reaching the runway, at which point the wreckage ignited. There were three fatalities among the occupants.

Findings

Investigation into the accident indicates that the primary factor was the crew's failure to maintain a safe altitude during the night approach, leading to the collision with obstacles on the approach path.

Probable cause

The crew failed to monitor the aircraft's altitude during a night approach, resulting in a collision with trees.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2004-03-24 PZL-Mielec AN-2 accident near Pavlovsk, Russia?

A single-engine aircraft crashed short of the runway during a night approach in Pavlovsk, resulting in the deaths of all three people on board.

Were there any fatalities in the 2004-03-24 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 2004-03-24 involved a PZL-Mielec AN-2, registration RA-33596, operated by V. G. Plyonkin, at Pavlovsk, Russia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The crew failed to monitor the aircraft's altitude during a night approach, resulting in a collision with trees.

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