Cargo shift leads to aircraft stall near Kirensk

No fatalities • Kirensk, Russia • Takeoff (climb)

An aircraft performing a cargo transport flight experienced a center of gravity shift during climb, resulting in a stall and crash near Kirensk.

What happened

A cargo operation departing from a remote location approximately 75 km from Kirensk ended in an accident during the initial climb phase. The aircraft was transporting five barrels of oil at the time of the incident.

As the plane ascended, the unsecured cargo moved within the fuselage. This movement caused the aircraft's center of gravity to shift outside of its safe operating limits. In response to the instability, the pilot attempted to perform an emergency landing. However, while flying at an altitude of roughly 15 meters, the aircraft entered a stall and struck the ground.

Despite the impact, there were no injuries reported among the crew.

Findings

The primary factor in the accident was the unstable center of gravity caused by the shifting of the oil barrels during the climb phase.

Probable cause

The movement of cargo during takeoff caused the aircraft's center of gravity to shift outside of safe limits, leading to a stall.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1974-12-09 PZL-Mielec AN-2 accident near Kirensk, Russia?

An aircraft performing a cargo transport flight experienced a center of gravity shift during climb, resulting in a stall and crash near Kirensk.

Were there any fatalities in the 1974-12-09 PZL-Mielec AN-2 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1974-12-09 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?

The movement of cargo during takeoff caused the aircraft's center of gravity to shift outside of safe limits, leading to a stall.

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