On July 15, 2022, a PZL-Mielec AN-2 (registration RA-02240) operated by Private Russia was involved in an aviation accident near Prochnookopskaya, Russia during landing or approach. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft collided with the wires of an overhead power line, which had no night markings, with subsequent collision with trees and ground. 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.
A single-engine airplane on a local flight in Prochookopskaya collided with power line cables while attempting to land at night, crashed in a wooded area, and came to rest upside down. Both occupants were killed.
Accident
A single-engine airplane engaged in a local flight in Prochookopskaya collided with the cables of an overhead power line while attempting to land at night. The aircraft subsequently struck trees and the ground, coming to rest inverted. The wreckage was discovered approximately 10 kilometers north of Armavir Airport. Both occupants sustained fatal injuries.
Probable Cause
According to the official investigation, the probable cause of the accident was the aircraft's collision with the wires of an overhead power line that lacked night markings, followed by collisions with trees and terrain. Contributing factors identified include:
Inadequate experience of the pilot in night flying conditions
Violation of the AN-2 flight manual, which prescribes instrument night flights
Decision to fly at night to a landing site without adequate light equipment
Flying at an altitude lower than the prescribed altitude of unlit obstacles, of which the pilot was aware
Decision of the pilot to perform the flight in a reduced crew configuration (without a copilot)