No fatalities

Crew Errors Lead to Crash During Landing Approach at Lazo (CCCP-40556)

Lazo, RussiaLanding (descent or approach)

On July 20, 1987, a PZL-Mielec AN-2 (registration CCCP-40556) operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Lazo, Russia during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Wrong approach configuration on part of the crew who failed to analyze the wind component. Failure of the captain to supervise the copilot's actions. Overconfidence and complacency were considered as contributing factors. 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)Source recordUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During landing approach at Lazo, the captain delegated approach duties to the copilot but failed to supervise. The copilot misjudged wind conditions, causing the aircraft to roll right, lose altitude, and crash. Occupant fate is unknown.

Accident Overview

While approaching the landing area at Lazo, the captain allowed the copilot to conduct the approach but did not adequately supervise the copilot's actions. The copilot failed to properly analyze the wind component, leading to a loss of control. On final approach, the aircraft rolled to the right, lost height, and subsequently crashed. The fate of the occupants remains unknown.

Wind Conditions

At the time of the accident, the wind was reported from 150 degrees at 11 to 21 kilometers per hour, with gusts reaching 32 kilometers per hour. This wind condition was not correctly assessed by the copilot.

Probable Cause

The official investigation determined the probable cause to be a wrong approach configuration on the part of the crew, who failed to analyze the wind component. Additionally, the captain failed to supervise the copilot's actions. Overconfidence and complacency were identified as contributing factors.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 20 Jul 1987 PZL-Mielec AN-2 accident near Lazo, Russia?

During landing approach at Lazo, the captain delegated approach duties to the copilot but failed to supervise. The copilot misjudged wind conditions, causing the aircraft to roll right, lose altitude, and crash. Occupant fate is unknown.

Were there any fatalities in the 20 Jul 1987 PZL-Mielec AN-2 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 20 Jul 1987 involved a PZL-Mielec AN-2, registration CCCP-40556, operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines, at Lazo, Russia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Wrong approach configuration on part of the crew who failed to analyze the wind component. Failure of the captain to supervise the copilot's actions. Overconfidence and complacency were considered as contributing factors.