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Crew Diverts to Palana After Poor Visibility, Crashes During Turn Near Lesnaya (CCCP-29354)

Palana, RussiaFlight

On August 9, 1981, a PZL-Mielec AN-2 (registration CCCP-29354) operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Palana, Russia in flight. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Failure of the crew to prepare the flight according to published procedures and without any contact with local ATC. Control was lost during a turn completed at an unsafe altitude in turbulences and relative strong winds. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A flight from Palana to Lesnaya diverted due to poor visibility. While returning at low altitude, the aircraft lost height during a turn and crashed into the sea about 270 meters offshore. Five occupants swam to shore; one passenger drowned.

Incident Overview

A crew departed Palana on a flight to Lesnaya. Approaching Lesnaya, weather conditions were poor and due to limited visibility, the crew was unable to locate the landing zone and decided to return to Palana.

Accident Sequence

While flying at an altitude below 50 meters, the pilot-in-command initiated a right turn. During the turn, the airplane lost height and crashed into the sea about 270 meters offshore.

Occupants and Injuries

Five occupants swam to shore. One passenger drowned.

Probable Cause

The official findings state the probable cause was the failure of the crew to prepare the flight according to published procedures and without any contact with local ATC. Control was lost during a turn completed at an unsafe altitude in turbulences and relative strong winds.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 9 Aug 1981 PZL-Mielec AN-2 accident near Palana, Russia?

A flight from Palana to Lesnaya diverted due to poor visibility. While returning at low altitude, the aircraft lost height during a turn and crashed into the sea about 270 meters offshore. Five occupants swam to shore; one passenger drowned.

Were there any fatalities in the 9 Aug 1981 PZL-Mielec AN-2 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 9 Aug 1981 involved a PZL-Mielec AN-2, registration CCCP-29354, operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines, at Palana, Russia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Failure of the crew to prepare the flight according to published procedures and without any contact with local ATC. Control was lost during a turn completed at an unsafe altitude in turbulences and relative strong winds.

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