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Cargo Flight Crash in Kirensk Due to Center of Gravity Shift (CCCP-44917)

Kirensk, RussiaTakeoff (climb)

On December 9, 1974, a PZL-Mielec AN-2 (registration CCCP-44917) operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Kirensk, Russia during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Cargo shift causing the center of gravity to be out of the envelope, leading to a stall and crash during an attempted emergency landing. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 7 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

An airplane crashed shortly after takeoff during a cargo flight to Kirensk after cargo shifted, moving the center of gravity out of limits. The pilot attempted an emergency landing, but the aircraft stalled at 15 meters. No injuries were reported.

Incident Overview and Flight Details The aircraft was operating a cargo flight from a remote location situated 75 kilometers from Kirensk to Kirensk. The load consisted of five oil barrels. The incident occurred shortly after takeoff while the airplane was in the climb phase. ## Cause of the Accident During the climb, the cargo shifted, which caused the center of gravity (CofG) to move outside the allowable envelope. This shift in the CofG led to a loss of control or stability, prompting the pilot to attempt an emergency landing. ## Crash and Outcome While attempting the emergency landing, the airplane stalled from a height of 15 meters and crashed. Despite the crash, there were no injuries reported among the occupants.

Probable cause

Cargo shift causing the center of gravity to be out of the envelope, leading to a stall and crash during an attempted emergency landing.
Loss of control in flight

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 9 Dec 1974 PZL-Mielec AN-2 accident near Kirensk, Russia?

An airplane crashed shortly after takeoff during a cargo flight to Kirensk after cargo shifted, moving the center of gravity out of limits. The pilot attempted an emergency landing, but the aircraft stalled at 15 meters. No injuries were reported.

Were there any fatalities in the 9 Dec 1974 PZL-Mielec AN-2 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 9 Dec 1974 involved a PZL-Mielec AN-2, registration CCCP-44917, operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines, at Kirensk, Russia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Cargo shift causing the center of gravity to be out of the envelope, leading to a stall and crash during an attempted emergency landing.

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