3 fatalities

2009-04-30: PZL-Mielec AN-2 (RF-00842) — ROSTO — Pokrovsk, Russia

Pokrovsk, RussiaLanding (descent or approach)

On April 30, 2009, a PZL-Mielec AN-2 (registration RF-00842) operated by ROSTO was involved in an aviation accident near Pokrovsk, Russia during landing or approach. 3 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The decision of the crew to land on an airfield that was not equipped for night movements. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781196762Data APIEditorial standards

During a positioning flight, the crew made three landing attempts at an airfield not equipped for night operations. On the third attempt, the aircraft struck trees and power cables, crashed, and burned. All three occupants were killed.

Flight Details

The crew was completing a positioning flight from Krasnoyarsk to Yakutsk, with an intermediate stop at Lensk. The intended destination was Prokovsk, located about 70 km southwest of Yakutsk, but that airfield was not suitable for night movements.

Approach and Landing Attempts

On approach to Yakutsk-Magan Airport, the crew decided to continue to Prokovsk. Upon arrival, several cars were parked along the runway with their lights on. Due to low visibility caused by night conditions and snowfall, the crew was unable to establish visual contact with the ground and executed two missed approaches.

Collision and Crash

During a third attempt to land, the aircraft collided with pine trees and power cables, then crashed in an open field and burst into flames. All three occupants were killed.

Probable Cause

The official investigation determined the probable cause to be: the decision of the crew to land on an airfield that was not equipped for night movements.