Aircraft stall and ground impact during positioning flight at Tatarski

No fatalities • Tatarsk, Russia • Landing (descent or approach)

A crop-spraying aircraft experienced a wing stall and subsequent cartwheel during an attempt at a soft-field landing near the Tatarski state farm.

What happened

During a positioning flight intended for agricultural spraying operations, an aircraft was approaching the airstrip of the "Tatarski" state farm. As the pilot neared the runway, they attempted to execute a pancake landing under the assumption that the ground surface was saturated with water.

While on short final approach, the aircraft experienced a significant loss of airspeed. This reduction in velocity led to a stall of the left wing, resulting in the aircraft striking the terrain. The impact caused the plane to cartwheel across the ground, leaving the airframe with damage beyond repair. Despite the severity of the impact, all three crew members managed to exit the wreckage without any injuries.

Findings

Investigations into the accident determined that the primary factor was an improper approach configuration by the pilot-in-command. Specifically, the pilot failed to maintain adequate airspeed during the final segment of the flight approach.

Probable cause

The pilot failed to maintain sufficient flying speed during the final approach phase while attempting a specialized landing technique.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1989-04-22 PZL-Mielec AN-2 accident near Tatarsk, Russia?

A crop-spraying aircraft experienced a wing stall and subsequent cartwheel during an attempt at a soft-field landing near the Tatarski state farm.

Were there any fatalities in the 1989-04-22 PZL-Mielec AN-2 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1989-04-22 involved a PZL-Mielec AN-2, registration CCCP-70080, operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines, at Tatarsk, Russia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot failed to maintain sufficient flying speed during the final approach phase while attempting a specialized landing technique.

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