Picture 1: Current satellite imagery.
Picture 2: 2020 imagery
Picture 3: Closer view of the crash site
Aircraft Type: Lisunov Li-2 (Douglas DC-3)
Registration: 01 Yellow?
Airline: Russia - Border Patrol
Location: Big Diomede, Russia
Not visible in current satellite view due to snow, see 2020 imagery.
This Li-2 likely only served with the Russian Air Force.
June 13, 1971 was a day where the citizens of Big Diomede Island would receive mail. A plane was set to land on the island with the delivery then depart immediately. This Li-2 was selected for the delivery, and the flight to Big Diomede Island was relatively uneventful. However, upon reaching the island, the Li-2 encountered weather that kept it from landing. It airdropped the mail with a parachute then left. However, it never returned to base. The base radioed Big Diomede Island saying that the plane was missing, and they launched a search and rescue mission. The wrecked airplane was found on the island, and luckily, all 4 crewmembers were alive. They were rescued, but the plane was abandoned.
The wreckage remains on site. The registration was never confirmed, but a photo of the crash shows the markings "01" on the side of the aircraft, painted in yellow.