Overweight Antonov An-2 crash at Khanty-Mansiysk Airport

No fatalities • Khanty-Mansiysk, Russia • Takeoff (climb)

An Antonov An-2 crashed during takeoff from Khanty-Mansiysk Airport after failing to maintain sufficient altitude, resulting in several injuries.

What happened

During a departure from Khanty-Mansiysk Airport, an Antonov An-2 experienced significant issues maintaining altitude. As the aircraft attempted to climb, it failed to reach the necessary height and lacked sufficient airspeed. The plane subsequently collided with trees situated beyond the runway threshold, leading to a stall and a subsequent crash. While the impact caused the aircraft to be destroyed, all 35 occupants managed to evacuate the wreckage. Among the passengers and crew, there were several reported injuries.

Findings

Investigations into the accident revealed that the flight was operating under unsafe weight conditions. The crew proceeded with the takeoff despite having 33 passengers on board, a load that exceeds the certified passenger capacity for this aircraft type. Crucially, it was determined that the total weight of the aircraft exceeded its maximum takeoff weight (MTOW), making a successful climb impossible under the circumstances.

Probable cause

The aircraft was operated significantly above its maximum takeoff weight with an unauthorized number of passengers on board.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1971-12-28 PZL-Mielec AN-2 accident near Khanty-Mansiysk, Russia?

An Antonov An-2 crashed during takeoff from Khanty-Mansiysk Airport after failing to maintain sufficient altitude, resulting in several injuries.

Were there any fatalities in the 1971-12-28 PZL-Mielec AN-2 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1971-12-28 involved a PZL-Mielec AN-2, registration CCCP-50573, operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines, at Khanty-Mansiysk, Russia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft was operated significantly above its maximum takeoff weight with an unauthorized number of passengers on board.

Loading the flight search…