Fatal aircraft accident during local test flight

3 fatalities • Ufa, Russia • Takeoff (climb)

A crop spraying mission test flight ended in a fatal crash after the aircraft failed to maintain a sufficient climb rate following takeoff.

What happened

During a local test flight intended to precede a scheduled crop spraying operation, an aircraft experienced a critical loss of altitude shortly after departing the runway. The pilot-in-command initiated rotation after the aircraft had traveled a distance of approximately 250 to 280 meters along the takeoff path.

Following the rotation, the aircraft was unable to establish and sustain a positive rate of climb. The plane subsequently made contact with treetops before stalling and impacting a field in an inverted position. This impact occurred roughly 1,037 meters from the beginning of the takeoff run. The accident resulted in three fatalities among the crew members on board. The aircraft was completely destroyed during the crash.

Findings

Investigations into the accident revealed that the aircraft was operating significantly over its maximum allowable weight, specifically by 779 kilograms above the maximum takeoff weight. This excess mass contributed to an insufficient airspeed during the initial climb phase. Additionally, the pilot-in-command performed a premature rotation following an inadequate takeoff roll, which prevented the airplane from maintaining the necessary flight path and climb performance.

Probable cause

The aircraft was overloaded beyond its maximum takeoff weight, leading to a premature rotation and an inability to maintain a safe climb rate.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1979-05-28 PZL-Mielec AN-2 accident near Ufa, Russia?

A crop spraying mission test flight ended in a fatal crash after the aircraft failed to maintain a sufficient climb rate following takeoff.

Were there any fatalities in the 1979-05-28 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 1979-05-28 involved a PZL-Mielec AN-2, registration CCCP-35595, operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines, at Ufa, Russia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft was overloaded beyond its maximum takeoff weight, leading to a premature rotation and an inability to maintain a safe climb rate.

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