What happened
During a specialized flight mission originating from Bishkek, the crew was tasked with calibrating ILS systems at Issyk Kul and Naryn. Approximately 30 minutes after departing from Issyk Kul toward Naryn, the aircraft experienced significant mechanical issues. The crew noted vibrations in the right engine alongside a rise in temperature within the left engine.
In response to the malfunction, the right engine was deactivated. The captain then instructed the flight engineer to decrease the power of the left engine to 80%. As the Antonov An-2 traversed the Karakuzhur Valley, the crew found themselves unable to sustain a safe flight altitude. Recalling a previous experience using a primitive dirt strip for agricultural work while flying an An-2, the pilot attempted an emergency touchdown at an airstrip situated at 2,700 metres.
Upon reaching the ground, the aircraft struck drainage ditches and rocks exceeding 40 cm in size. The impact caused the plane to come to a halt and subsequently burst into flames. Despite the destruction of the aircraft, all 14 occupants managed to evacuate the wreckage without any uninjured.
Findings
- The flight was compromised by simultaneous engine issues, specifically vibrations in the right engine and rising temperatures in the left engine.
- Loss of altitude prevented the crew from continuing the mission, necessitating the emergency landing on an unprepared surface.