2 fatalities

Cargo Aircraft Crashes into Mountain Near Aiykam (CCCP-70848)

Aiykam, RussiaFlight

On September 21, 1988, a PZL-Mielec AN-2 (registration CCCP-70848) operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Aiykam, Russia in flight. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Controlled flight into terrain after the crew decided to fly in limited visibility conditions below the minimum prescribed altitude. 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 2026-06-11Data APIEditorial standards

A cargo aircraft departed Belkachi for Aiykam with diesel fuel. En route, weather deteriorated; the crew deviated from the flight path and missed the airfield. While returning, the aircraft struck a mountain in clouds. Both occupants were killed.

Accident

On a cargo flight from Belkachi to Aiykam, the aircraft crashed into the eastern slope of a mountain approximately 10 km east of Aiykam. The impact occurred at coordinates N58°00'15" E134°10'09" while the aircraft was cruising at an altitude of 1,090 meters. The mountain's elevation at the impact point was 1,100 meters. The aircraft was destroyed by impact forces and a subsequent fire. Both occupants were killed.

Flight History

The aircraft departed Belkachi at 0851LT with a cargo of diesel fuel weighing 1,100 kilograms. The estimated time of arrival at Aiykam was 0955LT. En route, weather conditions deteriorated, and the crew continued flying into clouds. The crew deviated from the planned flight path, resulting in missing Aiykan Airfield. The decision was made to return. While cruising in clouds at 1,090 meters, the aircraft struck the mountain.

Probable Cause

Controlled flight into terrain after the crew decided to fly in limited visibility conditions below the minimum prescribed altitude.