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14 fatalities

Fatal Stall and Crash at Vetluga Airport (CCCP-29320)

Vetluga, RussiaTakeoff (climb)

On October 20, 1967, a PZL-Mielec AN-2 (registration CCCP-29320) operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Vetluga, Russia during takeoff. 14 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: MTOW exceeded by 680 kg and the CofG being out of the envelope, too far aft, caused the aircraft to stall on takeoff. The crew decided to takeoff with 18 passengers, well above the permissible number. 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 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft stalled after liftoff at Vetluga Airport, striking the runway and crashing in flames. The accident killed 14 people and injured six others, with the aircraft destroyed.

Accident Overview and Casualties Following liftoff from Vetluga Airport, the aircraft experienced a stall during its climb. The airplane subsequently struck the runway surface, resulting in the undercarriage being torn off. The aircraft crashed in flames and was destroyed. The accident resulted in the deaths of twelve passengers and both pilots. Additionally, six other passengers sustained injuries. ## Official Probable Cause The official investigation determined that the accident was caused by the aircraft's maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) being exceeded by 680 kg and its center of gravity (CofG) being out of the envelope, positioned too far aft. These factors caused the aircraft to stall on takeoff. The investigation also noted that the crew decided to take off with 18 passengers, a number well above the permissible limit.

Loss of control in flight

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 20 Oct 1967 PZL-Mielec AN-2 accident near Vetluga, Russia?

An aircraft stalled after liftoff at Vetluga Airport, striking the runway and crashing in flames. The accident killed 14 people and injured six others, with the aircraft destroyed.

Were there any fatalities in the 20 Oct 1967 PZL-Mielec AN-2 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 14 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 20 Oct 1967 involved a PZL-Mielec AN-2, registration CCCP-29320, operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines, at Vetluga, Russia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

MTOW exceeded by 680 kg and the CofG being out of the envelope, too far aft, caused the aircraft to stall on takeoff. The crew decided to takeoff with 18 passengers, well above the permissible number.

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