Stall and crash involving aircraft during initial climb

3 fatalities • Lensk, Russia • Takeoff (climb)

An aircraft crashed near the runway during its initial climb after a cabin door opened accidentally, leading to an unstable center of gravity.

What happened

During the initial climb phase, at an altitude of approximately 15 to 20 meters, the rear cabin door of the aircraft type opened unexpectedly. In an attempt to rectify the situation, two passengers unfastened their seatbelts to reach the door and close it. This sudden shift in weight caused the aircraft's center of gravity to move beyond the rear limit by 37%.

As a result of this weight redistribution, the aircraft reached a super critical angle of attack. While traveling at a speed of 60-65 km/h, the plane entered a stall and crashed in a near flat attitude close to the runway. The descent rate during the impact was estimated to be between six and eight meters per second.

The accident resulted in two fatalities and 10 injuries. Among the deceased was a crew member who succumbed to injuries two days after the event.

Findings

Investigations determined that the primary factor in the loss of control was the unauthorized movement of passengers within the cabin. The decision by the passengers to unfasten their seatbelts to close the door directly caused the center of gravity to exceed the aft limit, leading to the aerodynamic stall.

Probable cause

The improper reaction of two passengers unfastening their seatbelts to close a door caused the aircraft's center of gravity to shift beyond its rear limit.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1979-10-27 PZL-Mielec AN-2 accident near Lensk, Russia?

An aircraft crashed near the runway during its initial climb after a cabin door opened accidentally, leading to an unstable center of gravity.

Were there any fatalities in the 1979-10-27 PZL-Mielec AN-2 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 3 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1979-10-27 involved a PZL-Mielec AN-2, registration CCCP-32322, operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines, at Lensk, Russia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The improper reaction of two passengers unfastening their seatbelts to close a door caused the aircraft's center of gravity to shift beyond its rear limit.

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