Crash of a PZL-Mielec AN-2R in Tompo

Date & Time: Sep 24, 1988
Type of aircraft:
PZL-Mielec AN-2
Operator:
Registration:
CCCP-84657
Flight Phase:
Takeoff (climb)
Flight Type:
Scheduled Revenue Flight
Survivors:
Yes
Site:
Plain, Valley
Schedule:
Khandyga – Tompo – Topolinoye
MSN:
1G191-35
YOM:
1981
Location:
Tompo
Republic of Yakutia (Sakha)
Country:
Russia
Region:
Asia
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
3
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Circumstances:
After takeoff from Tompo, en route to Topolinoye, the engine emitted a thick white smoke then failed. The crew elected to make an emergency landing when the left main gear collided with rocks on the bank of the Tompo River. Our of control, the aircraft cartwheeled and crashed. All five occupants were rescued, two of them were injured, including the copilot.
Probable cause:
The exact cause of the engine failure could not be determined with certainty. However, it is believed that the carburetor got frosted after the crew forgot to activate the engine anti-ice system. Analyzes of the engine showed marks on the forward part of the compressor blades, indicating splinters of ice resulting from icing conditions.

Crash of a Douglas A-20A Havoc west of Topolinoye: 3 killed

Date & Time: May 21, 1943
Type of aircraft:
Douglas A-20 Havoc/DB-7 Boston
Operator:
Flight Phase:
Flight
Flight Type:
Military
Survivors:
No
Site:
Mountains
Schedule:
Seymchan - Yakutsk
Location:
Topolinoye
Republic of Yakutia (Sakha)
Country:
Russia
Region:
Asia
Crew on board:
3
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
3
Circumstances:
A group of three Douglas A-20A Havoc departed Seymchan on a flight to Yakutsk despite unfavorable weather conditions and without suitable communication with the ground. After passing Oymiakon, the crew continued in clouds at an altitude of 15,000 feet. Approaching Khandyga, the cloud layer became thick and the pilot decided to modify his route, heading 270° to 300°. About 25 minutes later, thinking he was flying vertical to the Aldan River, the pilot elected to reduce his altitude when the airplane impacted the slope of a mountain and crashed. All three crew members were killed. The wreckage was found by a a reindeer herder in May 1983 at coordinated 64° 6' N 133° 18' E, some 130 km west of Topolinoye. Both other airplanes landed safely in Yakutsk.
Probable cause:
Controlled flight into terrain while flying in clouds.
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