Crop sprayer engine failure leads to overturned aircraft in Crimea

No fatalities • Pyatikhatki, Ukraine • Flight

An engine failure during a crop spraying operation resulted in an aircraft flipping upside down in a Crimean rice paddy field.

What happened

During a routine agricultural spraying mission in the Krasnoperekopsk District of the autonomous Republic of Crimea, an aircraft experienced a sudden loss of power. The flight was being conducted at an altitude of approximately 35 to 40 meters when the engine ceased functioning.

In response to the engine failure, the crew attempted to perform an emergency landing within a rice paddy field located in the vicinity of Pyatykhatki. Upon touchdown, the landing gear became embedded in the soft soil of the field. This caused the aircraft to nose over, ultimately coming to rest in an inverted position. Although the aircraft sustained damage beyond repair, both members of the crew managed to exit the wreckage without sustaining any injuries.

Findings

  • The primary factor in the accident was the engine failure occurring at a low altitude.
  • The soft terrain of the rice paddy field contributed to the aircraft nosed over during the emergency landing attempt.

Probable cause

The engine failed while the aircraft was operating at a low altitude during a crop spraying mission.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2013-07-21 PZL-Mielec AN-2 accident near Pyatikhatki, Ukraine?

An engine failure during a crop spraying operation resulted in an aircraft flipping upside down in a Crimean rice paddy field.

Were there any fatalities in the 2013-07-21 PZL-Mielec AN-2 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2013-07-21 involved a PZL-Mielec AN-2, registration UR-ART, operated by Albatross Avia, at Pyatikhatki, Ukraine.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The engine failed while the aircraft was operating at a low altitude during a crop spraying mission.

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