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2 fatalities

Crop Spraying Aircraft Crashes After Power Line Strike Near Vyezdnoye (CCCP-01506)

Arzamas, RussiaFlight

On April 17, 1972, a PZL-Mielec AN-2 (registration CCCP-01506) operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Arzamas, Russia in flight. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The crew failed to follow the minimum safe altitude for such operation. 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

During the 30th crop spraying sortie of the day, a crew made a 180-degree turn at 20 meters altitude and struck high-voltage power cables, tearing off the tail. The aircraft crashed upside down into a water-filled ravine 258 meters further, killing both pilots.

Accident Summary

A crop spraying flight ended in a fatal crash when the aircraft struck high-voltage power cables during a low-altitude maneuver. The crew was completing the 30th sortie of the day. After making a 180-degree turn, the airplane was flying at a height of 20 meters and facing the sun when it contacted the power cables. The impact tore off the tail section, causing the aircraft to lose control.

Crash Details

The out-of-control airplane crashed upside down into a water-filled ravine located 258 meters beyond the power line strike point. The wreckage was found 500 meters southwest of Vyezdnoye. Both pilots sustained fatal injuries in the accident.

Probable Cause

According to the official investigation, the probable cause of the accident was the crew's failure to follow the minimum safe altitude for such operations.

Controlled flight into terrain

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

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

During the 30th crop spraying sortie of the day, a crew made a 180-degree turn at 20 meters altitude and struck high-voltage power cables, tearing off the tail. The aircraft crashed upside down into a water-filled ravine 258 meters further, killing both pilots.

Were there any fatalities in the 17 Apr 1972 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 17 Apr 1972 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 failed to follow the minimum safe altitude for such operation.

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