FlightFinder
Check my flight
No fatalities

AN-2 Overweight Takeoff Accident at Khanty-Mansiysk (CCCP-50573)

Khanty-Mansiysk, RussiaTakeoff (climb)

On December 28, 1971, a PZL-Mielec AN-2 (registration CCCP-50573) operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Khanty-Mansiysk, Russia during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The crew elected to takeoff with 33 passengers on board while the AN-2 is not certified to carry so much passengers. It was determined that the total weight of the aircraft was well above the MTOW at the time of the accident. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During takeoff from Khanty-Mansiysk Airport, an AN-2 with 33 passengers (exceeding certification) failed to gain height, struck trees beyond the runway, stalled, and crashed. All 35 occupants escaped and some were injured; the aircraft was destroyed.

Accident Details

A single-engine AN-2 aircraft was taking off from Khanty-Mansiysk Airport. During the takeoff roll, the airplane encountered difficulties in gaining altitude. It failed to achieve sufficient speed and, after passing the end of the runway, struck trees. The impact caused the aircraft to stall and subsequently crash.

Aftermath

All 35 occupants on board escaped the wreckage. Some individuals sustained injuries. The aircraft itself was damaged beyond repair.

Probable Cause

According to the official investigation, the cause was that the crew elected to take off with 33 passengers on board, while the AN-2 is not certified to carry that many passengers. The total weight of the aircraft was determined to be well above the maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) at the time of the accident. Under those conditions, it was not possible for the crew to achieve a successful takeoff.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

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

During takeoff from Khanty-Mansiysk Airport, an AN-2 with 33 passengers (exceeding certification) failed to gain height, struck trees beyond the runway, stalled, and crashed. All 35 occupants escaped and some were injured; the aircraft was destroyed.

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

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 28 Dec 1971 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 crew elected to takeoff with 33 passengers on board while the AN-2 is not certified to carry so much passengers. It was determined that the total weight of the aircraft was well above the MTOW at the time of the accident. In such conditions, it was not possible for the crew to takeoff.

More accident analyses