14 fatalities

1996-11-14: PZL-Mielec AN-2 (RA-40309) — Komi Avia — Most Pyssa, Russia

Most Pyssa, RussiaFlight

On November 14, 1996, a PZL-Mielec AN-2 (registration RA-40309) operated by Komi Avia was involved in an aviation accident near Most Pyssa, Russia in flight. 14 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The crew decided to takeoff without proceeding to a pre-departure cleaning of the aircraft that was contaminated with snow. At low height and speed, the aircraft stalled during the first turn and crashed. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 3 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781206552Data APIEditorial standards

During a stop at Most Pyssa, snow accumulated on an aircraft. The crew did not remove it before takeoff. During climb, the aircraft stalled and crashed, killing 14 occupants; the copilot survived.

Incident Overview

An aircraft, while parked at Most Pyssa for a scheduled 20-minute stop during a flight from Vazgort to Koslan, experienced deteriorating weather conditions with snowfall. The crew did not remove the accumulated snow from the aircraft before departing.

Sequence of Events

After takeoff, as the aircraft climbed, the crew initiated a left turn. During this maneuver, the aircraft stalled and subsequently crashed into a wooded area, bursting into flames. The copilot survived the accident, while the other 14 occupants on board were killed.

Investigation Findings

The official investigation determined the probable cause: the crew decided to take off without proceeding to a pre-departure cleaning of the aircraft, which was contaminated with snow. At low altitude and low speed, the aircraft stalled during the first turn and crashed.