On June 30, 1976, a PZL-Mielec AN-2 (registration CCCP-70531) operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Valikhanovo, Kazakhstan in flight. 3 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Propeller blade's separated in flight. 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.
During a test flight after an engine repair, a propeller blade separated due to fatigue fracture, causing structural failure and crash. All three occupants were killed.
Accident Overview
On a test flight from Valikhanovo following an engine repair during crop-spraying operations in the Valikhanovo district (Kokchetau region of Kazakhstan), a propeller blade broke away in flight due to fatigue fracture. The resulting violent vibration caused the engine mount to fail. The aircraft then turned to the left, and the propeller cut through the spar of the left lower wing, leading to the collapse of the wing box.
Final Moments
The aircraft went out of control and spun into a field located 2 km south-southwest of the "Yuzhny" collective farm (coordinates N52°33' E71°36'). All three occupants—both pilots and a passenger (an aircraft mechanic)—were killed.
Investigation Findings
The official investigation determined the probable cause as the separation of the propeller blade in flight. The propeller had been fitted only the day before the accident.
What happened in the 30 Jun 1976 PZL-Mielec AN-2 accident near Valikhanovo, Kazakhstan?
During a test flight after an engine repair, a propeller blade separated due to fatigue fracture, causing structural failure and crash. All three occupants were killed.
Were there any fatalities in the 30 Jun 1976 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 30 Jun 1976 involved a PZL-Mielec AN-2, registration CCCP-70531, operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines, at Valikhanovo, Kazakhstan.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…