On December 20, 1998, a PZL-Mielec AN-2 (registration RA-02482) operated by Nikolayevski Aviation Enterprise was involved in an aviation accident near Ayan, Russia during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Poor flight preparation on part of the crew who neglected several published procedures. It was determined that the pilot was intoxicated at the time of the accident. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
An aircraft was damaged beyond repair after the crew took off with tailwind and flaps retracted from an intersection, veered off runway, and struck an earth mound, severing the tail gear. All 11 occupants escaped uninjured.
Accident Summary
During the takeoff attempt, the crew selected a runway with a tailwind component and did not extend the flaps. The takeoff roll began from an intersection, resulting in a takeoff distance of 660 meters rather than the full runway length. After traveling approximately 190 meters, the aircraft deviated to the right, veered off the paved surface, and entered soft ground. The crew continued rolling for another 95 meters until the tail gear (a tail ski) contacted a 40 cm high earth mound, which tore it off. The aircraft continued beyond the mound and overran the runway end, coming to rest 30 meters past the threshold. All 11 occupants evacuated without injury. The aircraft sustained damage beyond economical repair.
Probable Cause
The investigation determined that the crew’s poor flight preparation, which included neglecting several published procedures, was the probable cause. It was further established that the pilot was intoxicated at the time of the accident.