Incident Overview
Date: Sunday 16 February 1958
Aircraft Type: Lisunov Li-2V
Owner/operator: Polyarnaya Aviatsiya
Registration Number: CCCP-N502
Location: Mirny Ice Station –
ÿ Antarctica
Phase of Flight: Taxi
Status: Destroyed, written off
Casualties: Fatalities: / Occupants:
Component Affected: Tail skidTail skid
Category: Accident

A Moscow Special Purpose Aviation Group (MAGON) Li-2 taxied out for takeoff at the Mirny Ice Station, resulting in a stuck aircraft on the ice due to a locked tail skid. Attempts to safely maneuver the aircraft to the runway were unsuccessful, leading to its fall.A Moscow Special Purpose Aviation Group (MAGON) Li-2 taxied out for takeoff at the Mirny Ice Station, resulting in a stuck aircraft on the ice due to a locked tail skid. Attempts to safely maneuver the aircraft to the runway were unsuccessful, leading to its fall.
Description
The Li-2 taxied out for takeoff at the Mirny Ice Station. Due to a locked tail skid the aircraft failed to make a U-turn to enter the runway. The airplane got stuck on the edge of the ice. An attempt was made to pull the aircraft to safety by means of a tractor, but the ice started crumbling and the aircraft fell. The aircraft was operated by the Moscow Special Purpose Aviation Group (MAGON).
Primary Cause
Locked tail skid preventing a U-turn.Locked tail skid preventing a U-turn.Share on: