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1963-08-24: Avia 14 (CCCP-61617) — Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines — Kutaisi, Georgia

Kutaisi, GeorgiaFlight

On August 24, 1963, an Avia 14 (registration CCCP-61617) operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Kutaisi, Georgia in flight. 32 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: It was determined that the crew decided to continue under VFR mode in IMC conditions. At the time of the accident, weather and visibility were poor. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781243720Data APIEditorial standards

Eight minutes after departing Kutaisi, an airplane struck a mountain slope near Gereshkori, killing all 32 occupants. The crew had continued under VFR rules despite heavy rain and limited visibility, deviating from the prescribed route.

Accident

After takeoff from Kutaisi, the crew decided to continue flight under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) despite limited visibility due to heavy rainfall. In these conditions, the crew did not realize they had deviated approximately 13 km from the prescribed departure route and were cruising at an insufficient altitude. Eight minutes after departure, while cruising at an altitude of 900 meters, the airplane struck the slope of a mountain located 7 km north of Gereshkori, about 32 km northwest of Kutaisi. The wreckage was found a day later. All 32 occupants, including three stowaways, were killed.

Investigation

The investigation determined that the crew decided to continue under VFR mode in Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC). At the time of the accident, weather and visibility were poor. The lack of ATC assistance and inaccurate weather information transmitted to the crew were considered as contributing factors.

Probable cause

It was determined that the crew decided to continue under VFR mode in IMC conditions. At the time of the accident, weather and visibility were poor. The lack of ATC assistance and inaccurate weather information transmitted to the crew were considered as contributing factors.

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