On January 22, 1945, a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) (registration CCCP-L963) operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Gudermes, Russia in flight. 6 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Controlled flight into terrain due to loss of orientation in poor visibility. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 3 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A five-person crew lost orientation in poor visibility while following a railway track, resulting in a controlled flight into terrain accident on the slope of Mt Terski near Gudermes.
What happened
Following departure from Makhachkala, the flight encountered poor visibility conditions that were below the established minima for safe operation. To navigate through the limited visual environment, the crew adopted a tracking method by following the railway line toward Grozny. During this phase of the flight, the pilot lost spatial orientation. The aircraft subsequently impacted the slope of Mt Terski, situated near Gudermes. All five occupants on board were killed in the crash.
Findings
The official investigation determined that the accident was caused by a controlled flight into terrain. Contributing factors included weather conditions that fell below operational minima and the loss of pilot orientation while navigating visually along the railway track.
Probable cause
Controlled flight into terrain due to loss of orientation in poor visibility.
What happened in the 22 Jan 1945 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident near Gudermes, Russia?
A five-person crew lost orientation in poor visibility while following a railway track, resulting in a controlled flight into terrain accident on the slope of Mt Terski near Gudermes.
Were there any fatalities in the 22 Jan 1945 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident?
The accident was fatal, resulting in 6 fatalities.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 22 Jan 1945 involved a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3), registration CCCP-L963, operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines, at Gudermes, Russia.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
Controlled flight into terrain due to loss of orientation in poor visibility.
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