PZL-Mielec AN-2 crash, Feb 6, 2016 (3 killed), Gai
PZL-Mielec AN-2 accident on February 6, 2016 near Gai, Orenburg oblast, Russia with 3 fatalities. Cause: Investigation (as summarized by BAAA): most...
- Date: February 6, 2016
- Aircraft: PZL-Mielec AN-2
- Location: Gai, Orenburg oblast, Russia
- Fatalities: 3
- Phase of flight: En route
- Cause: Investigation (as summarized by BAAA): most probably spatial disorientation by the crew turning in restricted visibility (fog) and snow whiteout, resulting in uncontrolled descent and ground impact. Contributing were the crew's incorrect weather evaluation leading to a VFR flight, flight below the authorized minimum height, and formal instrument minima training.
On 6 February 2016 an An 2 (RA 40204) operated by Light Air was flying a Transneft pipeline survey between Sterlitamak, Zilair, Akyar and Orsk when it turned at low height in freezing fog. The aircraft descended into a snowy field about 2 km southwest of Gai, roughly 25 km north of Orsk, and was destroyed; all three occupants were killed. The investigation, as summarized by BAAA, attributed the crash to spatial disorientation during the turn, with an incorrect weather assessment and flight below the authorized minimum height as contributing factors.