Khalaktyrka | Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives

On a flight from Milkovo to Khalaktyrka in support of a geological expedition, the crew encountered below-minima weather conditions (visibility limited to 10 km and snowfall). The crew failed to return and deviated from the prescribed flight path to the left by 17 km. The aircraft crashed at a height of 589 metres into the cloud-covered summit of a hill (594 metres) located in Mys Nalycheva, some 45 km northeast of Khalaktyrka. The wreckage was found a day later and all three occupants were killed.

Probable cause:

It was determined that the crew decided to continue the flight despite the deterioration of the weather conditions. The failure of ATC to ask the crew to return to Milkovo or to divert to another airport was considered as a contributing factor, as well as the fact that meteorologists failed to inform the crew about the deterioration of the weather conditions.

Crash of a Lisunov LI-2 near Khalaktyrka: 4 killed

Date & Time: Oct 2, 1959 at 1145 LT

Type of aircraft:

Lisunov LI-2

Operator:

Registration:

CCCP-84448

Flight Phase:

Flight

Flight Type:

Cargo

Survivors:

Site:

Mountains

Schedule:

Milkovo – Khalaktyrka

MSN:

35 02

YOM:

1949

Location:

Country:

Region:

Crew on board:

Crew fatalities:

Pax on board:

Pax fatalities:

Other fatalities:

Total fatalities:

Aircraft flight hours:

9416

Circumstances:

The aircraft was performing a cargo flight from Milkovo to Khalaktyrka, carrying a crew of four and a load of 46 bags of potatoes for a total weight of 2,536 kilos. The crew started the descent in clouds and did not realize he was not following the assigned route for Khalaktyrka. At an altitude of 2,100 meters, the airplane struck the north face of Mt Aag (2,319 meters high) located 42 km north of Khalaktyrka. The wreckage was found a day later and all four crew members were killed.

Probable cause:

It was determined that strong winds were blowing at 60 km/h at the time of the accident, causing the airplane to deviate 12° from the prescribed route. Due to clouds, the crew was unable to distinguish the mountain. Lack of ATC assistance was considered as a contributing factor.