2 fatalities

Crop Spraying Aircraft Crashes After Apparent Engine Failure Near Zafarabad (CCCP-33508)

Zafarabad, TajikistanFlight

On September 22, 1989, a PZL-Mielec AN-2 (registration CCCP-33508) operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Zafarabad, Tajikistan in flight. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The exact cause of the accident and the possible engine failure could not be determined. 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

An agricultural aircraft on a spraying mission near Zafarabad crashed after an apparent engine failure, striking a concrete pylon and bursting into flames. Both pilots were killed and the aircraft destroyed.

Accident Details

On the day of the accident, the crew was engaged in a spraying mission over cotton fields near Zafarabad, working on behalf of the State farm 'Duti'. They had successfully completed nine rotations and were preparing for a ninth low pass. During the operation, the aircraft overflew a powerline at a height of approximately 40 meters. The crew then initiated a turn to the left.

Engine Failure and Crash

As the aircraft banked left, the engine apparently lost power. The bank angle reached 33 degrees before the aircraft lost altitude, struck a concrete pylon, and crashed into a field. Upon impact, the aircraft burst into flames. The aircraft was totally destroyed, and both pilots were killed.

Investigation

An investigation into the accident was conducted. The exact cause of the accident and the possible engine failure could not be determined. No other causes were identified.

Probable cause

The exact cause of the accident and the possible engine failure could not be determined.