Crash of a PZL-Mielec AN-2R near Polyarny
Date & Time:
Nov 10, 2023 at 1242 LT
Registration:
RA-84566
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Pevek - Polyarny
MSN:
1G189-33
YOM:
1980
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
2
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total hours on type:
851.00
Aircraft flight hours:
345
Circumstances:
The single engine airplane departed Pevek on a cargo flight to Polyarny, carrying two passengers, one pilot and a load of 150 kg of various goods. Approaching the destination, weather conditions deteriorated with heavy rain falls. In limited visibility, the airplane impacted the ground and crashed in the snow covered tundra few km from Polyarny. The wreckage was found few hours later and all three occupants were injured, the captain seriously. The airplane was a TR-301, a version of the AN-2 without the lower wings. Modification were performed by Tekhnoregion under MSN ТR301.21.004.
Probable cause:
The collision with a mountainside occurred in a mountainous area during daylight under Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC) that did not permit Visual Flight Rules (VFR) operations, as a result of the pilot-in-command (PIC) losing visual contact with the ground.
The following contributing factors were identified:
- The decision by the PIC to proceed with the flight despite forecasted meteorological conditions along the route and at the landing site that did not permit VFR operations (due to heavy precipitation).
- The failure of the PIC to take appropriate measures to avoid an hazardous area when signs of dangerous meteorological phenomenons became evident during the flight.
- Conducting the flight in violation of the aircraft's operational limitations under conditions unsuitable for VFR.
- The PIC's failure to make a timely decision to return to the departure airport or divert to an alternate airport when weather conditions deteriorated to levels below the minimums established for VFR operations.
The following contributing factors were identified:
- The decision by the PIC to proceed with the flight despite forecasted meteorological conditions along the route and at the landing site that did not permit VFR operations (due to heavy precipitation).
- The failure of the PIC to take appropriate measures to avoid an hazardous area when signs of dangerous meteorological phenomenons became evident during the flight.
- Conducting the flight in violation of the aircraft's operational limitations under conditions unsuitable for VFR.
- The PIC's failure to make a timely decision to return to the departure airport or divert to an alternate airport when weather conditions deteriorated to levels below the minimums established for VFR operations.
Final Report:
