3 fatalities

Aircraft crash near Sukovo Airport following engine failure (CCCP-L854)

Moscow, RussiaLanding (descent or approach)

On January 31, 1946, a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) (registration CCCP-L854) operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Moscow, Russia during landing or approach. 3 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The incident was attributed to an engine failure that led to subsequent mechanical issues and loss of control. 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 2026-08-05Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft crashed into a wooded area near Sukovo Airport after the left engine failed and the landing gear could not be locked, resulting in three fatalities.

What happened

The crew was conducting a positioning flight from Bykovo to Vnukovo when the left engine failed approximately fifteen minutes after takeoff. The flight deck reported an inability to feather the propeller on that side, which created significant aerodynamic drag. To mitigate this issue, the captain elected to divert to Sukovo Airport.

Upon arrival at the diversion site, the crew encountered a mechanical malfunction where the undercarriage failed to lock into position. While attempting a go-around maneuver to avoid an unsafe landing configuration, the right engine overheated. This event led to an aerodynamic stall, causing the aircraft to descend uncontrolled and impact a wooded area in the vicinity of the airport.

The accident resulted in three fatalities among the crew members. Two other individuals on board sustained minor injuries during the crash sequence.

Probable cause

The incident was attributed to an engine failure that led to subsequent mechanical issues and loss of control.