No fatalities

Pilot Injured After Stolen Aircraft Crashes into Building (CCCP-44920)

Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, RussiaFlight

On June 16, 1979, a PZL-Mielec AN-2 (registration CCCP-44920) operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, Russia in flight. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Loss of control at low height after collision with obstacles. Pilot intoxicated. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A single-engine airplane was stolen from an airport and crashed into an office building after striking a pillar during a low-altitude turn. The pilot was slightly injured.

Incident

In the early morning, a single-engine airplane parked at an airport was stolen by an intoxicated pilot. After taking off, the aircraft flew at low height over the city. The pilot then initiated a sharp left turn, during which the airplane struck a pillar. Subsequently, the aircraft became uncontrollable, nosed down, and crashed into the facade of an office building.

Injuries and Damage

Upon impact, the pilot was ejected from the aircraft and sustained minor injuries. The airplane was destroyed.

Probable Cause

Official findings cited loss of control at low height after collision with obstacles, with the pilot being intoxicated.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 16 Jun 1979 PZL-Mielec AN-2 accident near Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, Russia?

A single-engine airplane was stolen from an airport and crashed into an office building after striking a pillar during a low-altitude turn. The pilot was slightly injured.

Were there any fatalities in the 16 Jun 1979 PZL-Mielec AN-2 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 16 Jun 1979 involved a PZL-Mielec AN-2, registration CCCP-44920, operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines, at Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, Russia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Loss of control at low height after collision with obstacles. Pilot intoxicated.