No fatalities

1996-04-23: PZL-Mielec AN-2 (RA-84646) — VoronezhAvia — Russkaya Zhuravka, Russia

Russkaya Zhuravka, RussiaTakeoff (climb)

On April 23, 1996, a PZL-Mielec AN-2 (registration RA-84646) operated by VoronezhAvia was involved in an aviation accident near Russkaya Zhuravka, Russia during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot decided to takeoff with a tailwind in unfavorable conditions. As the aircraft deviated to the left, he initiated the takeoff prematurely as the speed was insufficient. The pilot failed to abandon the takeoff procedure. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781207114Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft with a pilot and mechanic crashed after a premature takeoff with a tailwind during a local spraying mission near Russkaya Zhuravka; both occupants were uninjured.

Incident Overview

Aircraft operating a local agricultural spraying mission was dispatched from Russkaya Zhuravka, carrying a pilot, a mechanic, and a load of 1,050 kilograms of ammonium nitrate. During the takeoff roll, which was conducted with a tailwind, the aircraft deviated to the left. The pilot counteracted the deviation and decided to rotate the aircraft as quickly as possible.

Collision and Aftermath

Following liftoff, the aircraft veered to the left, collided with trees, and subsequently crashed upside down. Despite the severity of the impact, both the pilot and the mechanic were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage and was written off.

Probable Cause

The official investigation determined the probable cause of the accident to be the pilot's decision to take off with a tailwind in unfavorable conditions. As the aircraft deviated to the left, the pilot initiated the takeoff prematurely while the speed was insufficient. The pilot failed to abandon the takeoff procedure.