Fatal training flight accident near Pitelino Airfield

3 fatalities • Pitelino, Russia • Flight

A single-engine aircraft crashed during a night training mission near Pitelino, resulting in the deaths of all three crew members on board.

What happened

During a scheduled night training session, an unidentified single-engine aircraft departed from Pitello at 01:24 local time. While maintaining an altitude between approximately 500 and 600 meters, the aircraft experienced a sudden mechanical malfunction involving the left aileron's trim tab, which deflected completely upward.

This aerodynamic change caused the plane to enter a sharp left bank and subsequently descend into a downward spiral. The flight ended when the aircraft struck a rye field located roughly 200 meters from Temirevo, situated about 4.5 km northeast of Pitelino Airfield. The accident resulted in 3 fatalities, claiming the lives of the instructor and two student pilots.

Findings

Investigations into the crash determined that the primary factor was a failure within the aileron mechanism.

Probable cause

The aircraft experienced an aileron failure due to the upward deflection of the trim tab.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1974-07-27 PZL-Mielec AN-2 accident near Pitelino, Russia?

A single-engine aircraft crashed during a night training mission near Pitelino, resulting in the deaths of all three crew members on board.

Were there any fatalities in the 1974-07-27 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 1974-07-27 involved a PZL-Mielec AN-2, registration CCCP-35029, operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines, at Pitelino, Russia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?