On April 25, 2005, a PZL-Mielec AN-2 (registration RA-40490) operated by Aviakhim was involved in an aviation accident near Verkhnyaya Khava, Russia during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The decision of the crew to take off with an excessive tailwind component and crosswinds without sufficient correction during the takeoff procedure. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
An aircraft became uncontrollable during takeoff from a terrain north of Verkhnyaya Khava due to tailwind and crosswinds, veered right, lost right main gear on soft ground, and came to rest inverted. Both pilots escaped uninjured.
Event Description
A flight crew initiated a takeoff from a terrain located approximately 4 kilometers north of Verkhnyaya Khava. The takeoff was performed with a tailwind component and crosswinds present. During the takeoff roll, the aircraft became uncontrollable and veered to the right. The right main landing gear was torn off after the aircraft rolled into soft ground. The aircraft continued out of control and eventually came to rest in an inverted position.
Outcome
Both pilots escaped uninjured. The aircraft sustained damage beyond repair as a result of the accident.
Probable Cause
According to the official investigation, the probable cause of the accident was the decision of the crew to take off with an excessive tailwind component and crosswinds without sufficient correction during the takeoff procedure.