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2 fatalities

Crop-Spraying Aircraft Crashes After Unauthorized Flight by Intoxicated Captain (CCCP-46601)

Sirdarya, UzbekistanFlight

On December 18, 1966, a PZL-Mielec AN-2 (registration CCCP-46601) operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Sirdarya, Uzbekistan in flight. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Intoxicated pilot. 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.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

An intoxicated captain conducted an unauthorized crop-spraying flight with an aircraft mechanic. Performing a low-height maneuver, the aircraft stalled, crashed in a field, and caught fire, killing both crew members.

Accident Details

During a crop-spraying operation for the state farm "40 let Tadzhikistana" in the Zafarabad district of Tajikistan, the captain of the aircraft, who was intoxicated, initiated an unauthorized flight from an airstrip located 12 kilometers southwest of Ursatyevska in the Khavast district of Uzbekistan. The captain was accompanied by an aircraft mechanic. While in flight, the captain performed an unauthorized maneuver at low altitude. Subsequently, the aircraft stalled, impacted a field, and was consumed by fire.

Fatalities

Both crew members—the captain and the aircraft mechanic—were killed in the accident.

Probable Cause

According to official findings, the probable cause of the accident was the intoxication of the pilot.

Loss of control in flight

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 18 Dec 1966 PZL-Mielec AN-2 accident near Sirdarya, Uzbekistan?

An intoxicated captain conducted an unauthorized crop-spraying flight with an aircraft mechanic. Performing a low-height maneuver, the aircraft stalled, crashed in a field, and caught fire, killing both crew members.

Were there any fatalities in the 18 Dec 1966 PZL-Mielec AN-2 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 2 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 18 Dec 1966 involved a PZL-Mielec AN-2, registration CCCP-46601, operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines, at Sirdarya, Uzbekistan.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Intoxicated pilot.

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