2 fatalities

Unauthorized Cockpit Occupancy Precedes Crash in Wooded Area (CCCP-31498)

Voroshilovgrad, UkraineFlight

On April 21, 1988, a PZL-Mielec AN-2 (registration CCCP-31498) operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Voroshilovgrad, Ukraine in flight. 2 people were killed. 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)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-11Data APIEditorial standards

A captain allowed three passengers to board despite company rules, moving the copilot to the main cabin. After takeoff, a low-altitude left turn led to a collision with trees and a fire; one pilot and one passenger died, three others were injured.

Incident Overview

An aircraft crashed into a wooded area after striking trees during a low-altitude turn, resulting in a post-impact fire. According to the investigation, the captain permitted three passengers to board the flight contrary to company policy, which prohibited such actions. The captain instructed the copilot to vacate the cockpit and sit in the main cabin, allowing the three passengers to occupy the cockpit seats.

Flight Sequence

Following takeoff, the aircraft flew at a low height. The captain initiated a left turn, during which the aircraft struck trees and subsequently crashed into wooded terrain. The impact caused the aircraft to burst into flames.

Occupant Casualties

The accident resulted in the death of one pilot and one passenger. Three other occupants sustained injuries.

Operational Details

The captain's decision to override company boarding restrictions and relocate the copilot from the cockpit created an unauthorized crew configuration. No information was provided regarding aircraft type, registration, operator, date, location, time of day, weather conditions, or air traffic control involvement.