Fatal aircraft crash near Mogilev involving impaired crew

4 fatalities • Krasnopolye, Russia • Flight

An aircraft crashed during a ferry flight in the Mogilev region, resulting in the deaths of all four occupants following a period of pilot intoxication.

What happened

An aircraft, originally scheduled for an ambulance mission to transport a patient, was grounded due to a starter motor failure. Following repairs performed by two mechanics, the plane was prepared for a ferry flight to Mogilev. The crew consisted of two pilots and two mechanics.

During the flight, approximately six minutes after departing from its origin, the aircraft was cruising at a relatively low altitude roughly 10 km from the departure site. At this stage, the airplane entered an uncontrolled steep left turn. The aircraft subsequently crashed in flames at Malyye Khutora, located within the Krasnopolye district of the Mogilev region. There were four fatalities among the occupants.

Findings

Investigations into the accident revealed that the pilots were operating the aircraft while severely intoxicated following a wedding celebration earlier that afternoon. Testing confirmed that the captain had a blood alcohol concentration of 2 ‰, while the co-pilot's level was measured at 4.2 ‰. The two mechanics on board had not consumed any alcohol.

Probable cause

The crash was caused by the extreme impairment of both pilots due to high levels of alcohol consumption.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1975-08-30 PZL-Mielec AN-2 accident near Krasnopolye, Russia?

An aircraft crashed during a ferry flight in the Mogilev region, resulting in the deaths of all four occupants following a period of pilot intoxication.

Were there any fatalities in the 1975-08-30 PZL-Mielec AN-2 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 4 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1975-08-30 involved a PZL-Mielec AN-2, registration CCCP-70506, operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines, at Krasnopolye, Russia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The crash was caused by the extreme impairment of both pilots due to high levels of alcohol consumption.

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