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Engine Power Loss Leads to Collision with Lighting Mast and Crash Near Yessentuki Airfield (RA-33623)

Yessentuki, RussiaTakeoff (climb)

On October 27, 2024, a PZL-Mielec AN-2 (registration RA-33623) operated by Aviakhim Yugtost 26 was involved in an aviation accident near Yessentuki, Russia during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Loss of engine power caused by a magneto malfunction. The accident was the result of non-compliance with established requirements during aircraft maintenance. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-11Data APIEditorial standards

After completing four skydiving flights, an airplane lost engine power shortly after takeoff. The pilot attempted to return but struck a lighting mast on a bridge, then crashed into trees about one kilometer west of the airfield. All nine occupants were rescued. The aircraft was destroyed.

Event Details

An airplane that had already completed four successful skydiving sorties during the day experienced a loss of engine power shortly after takeoff from Yessentuki Airfield. While climbing to a height of 50 metres, the engine lost power and black smoke emanated from the exhaust pipe. The pilot decided to return to the airport and initiated a left turn. During the turn, the airplane was too low and collided with a lighting mast located on the bridge of the Suvorovskoye shosse road leading over the A-157 highway. After the collision, the airplane continued to fly for approximately 100-150 metres before coming down into trees, about one kilometre west of the airfield. All nine occupants were quickly rescued. The airplane was damaged beyond repair.

Probable Cause

The official investigation determined that the probable cause of the accident was a loss of engine power caused by a magneto malfunction. The accident was the result of non-compliance with established requirements during aircraft maintenance.

Engine failure

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