Evensk | Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives

While approaching Magadan on a flight from Evensk, weather conditions deteriorated with low clouds and heavy snow falls. The crew decided to continue and due to strong winds, the aircraft deviated from the prescribed route. While flying in clouds at an altitude of 885 metres, the aircraft struck the slope of a mountain located near the Cheka River mouth, about 60 km northeast of Magadan. Four occupants were injured and the captain was killed.

Probable cause:

The crew decided to continue under VFR mode in IMC conditions. At the time of the accident, the visibility was poor due to low clouds and heavy snow falls. The crew failed to return and did not realize his was off course by 26 km due to limited visibility.

Crash of a Lisunov LI-2 near Severo-Evensky

Date & Time: Feb 4, 1959 at 1125 LT

Type of aircraft:

Lisunov LI-2

Operator:

Registration:

CCCP-16192

Flight Phase:

Landing (descent or approach)

Flight Type:

Cargo

Survivors:

Yes

Site:

Mountains

Schedule:

Magadan – Evensk – Gizhiga

Location:

Country:

Region:

Crew on board:

Crew fatalities:

Pax on board:

Pax fatalities:

Other fatalities:

Total fatalities:

Circumstances:

While descending to Evensk Airport on a cargo flight from Magadan to Gizhiga, the crew encountered poor visibility due to low clouds. At an altitude of 800 meters, the airplane struck the top of a hill, continued for several hundred meters and eventually crashed on a second hill (760 meters high) located 30 km west from Evensk Airport. All six occupants were rescued while the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Probable cause:

Negligence on part of the captain who decided to start the descent prematurely without knowing his exact position, in clouds without visual contact with the ground.