No fatalities

2004-07-09: PZL-Mielec AN-2 (RA-02230) — Kostroma Air - Kostromskoye Aviapredpriatie — Yaroslavy, Russia

Yaroslavy, RussiaTakeoff (climb)

On July 9, 2004, a PZL-Mielec AN-2 (registration RA-02230) operated by Kostroma Air - Kostromskoye Aviapredpriatie was involved in an aviation accident near Yaroslavy, Russia during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Engine lost power during takeoff because the fuel filter was blocked by fertilizers that probably fell in the fuel during servicing prior to departure; the decision to start the takeoff from the middle of the runway was a contributing factor as the distance… This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781200272Data APIEditorial standards

An agricultural aircraft overran a runway, struck an embankment, and burned after the crew aborted takeoff due to engine power loss caused by a blocked fuel filter. Both pilots were seriously injured and the aircraft destroyed.

Background

The crew had completed 15 spraying sorties earlier that day. For the next mission, the aircraft was refilled with 1,200 kg of chemicals.

Accident Sequence

Takeoff began from the middle of the 850‑metre runway with flaps set to 20°. As the aircraft accelerated to 90–100 km/h, the crew initiated rotation but the aircraft did not respond. The crew then rejected the takeoff; however, the remaining runway was insufficient to stop. The aircraft overran the runway, traveled 572 m past the runway end, struck an embankment, and crashed. Impact was followed by a fire that engulfed the aircraft. Both pilots sustained serious injuries in the accident, and the aircraft was destroyed.

Probable Cause

The investigation determined that the engine lost power during the takeoff procedure because the fuel filter was blocked by fertilizers that likely entered the fuel during servicing prior to departure. The crew's decision to start the takeoff from the middle of the runway was considered a contributing factor, as the distance remaining was insufficient for a rejected takeoff.