Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident at Saratov, Russia, 13 Jan 1945 (CCCP-L866)
On January 13, 1945, a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) (registration CCCP-L866) operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Saratov, Russia during landing or approach. 6 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Wrong decision on part of the crew who decided to continue the approach in below minima conditions and failed to return to Kuybyshev for a safe landing. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
Probable cause
Wrong decision on part of the crew who decided to continue the approach in below minima conditions and failed to return to Kuybyshev for a safe landing. Poor flight organisation by the operations and inadequate information transmitted to the crew concerning the weather forecast which did not reflect the actual conditions.
— NTSB Determination
Accident narrative
The crew was completing a cargo flight from Kuybyshev to Saratov-Razboyshchina Airport with a load of various goods for a total weight of 2,089 kilos. On approach to Saratov, the crew encountered poor weather conditions with a visibility limited to 800 metres due to fog. Despite below minima conditions, the captain decided to continue the approach and completed a last turn to join the glide when the aircraft stalled and crashed about 5 km from the airport, on the slope of the Korolyov Sad ravine, bursting into flames. The aircraft was destroyed and all six occupants were killed.
Probable cause (official findings): Wrong decision on part of the crew who decided to continue the approach in below minima conditions and failed to return to Kuybyshev for a safe landing. Poor flight organisation by the operations and inadequate information transmitted to the crew concerning the weather forecast which did not reflect the actual conditions.