Crop spraying aircraft crash near Vyezdnoye

2 fatalities • Arzamas, Russia • Flight

An agricultural aircraft crashed into a ravine near Vyezdnoye after striking power lines during a routine crop spraying mission.

What happened

During a scheduled agricultural mission, an aircraft was performing its 30th spraying pass of the day. While executing a 180-degree turn at an altitude of approximately 20 meters, the crew encountered high-voltage power cables. The impact with these lines caused significant structural damage, specifically severing the tail section of the plane.

Following the collision, the aircraft became uncontrollable and traveled roughly 258 meters before impacting a water-filled ravine in an inverted position. Search teams located the wreckage approximately 500 meters southwest of Vyezdnoye. The accident resulted in two fatalities, as both pilots on board were killed.

Findings

Investigations into the accident determined that the primary factor was the crew's failure to maintain the required minimum safe altitude for this type of low-level flight operation.

Probable cause

The crew did not adhere to the mandatory minimum altitude requirements for crop spraying operations.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1972-04-17 PZL-Mielec AN-2 accident near Arzamas, Russia?

An agricultural aircraft crashed into a ravine near Vyezdnoye after striking power lines during a routine crop spraying mission.

Were there any fatalities in the 1972-04-17 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 1972-04-17 involved a PZL-Mielec AN-2, registration CCCP-01506, operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines, at Arzamas, Russia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The crew did not adhere to the mandatory minimum altitude requirements for crop spraying operations.

Loading the flight search…