On November 5, 1946, a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) (registration CCCP-L946) operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Moscow-Vnukovo, Russia during landing or approach. 13 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft stalled during a go-around maneuver executed in low visibility conditions due to fog. 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.
An aircraft crashed into a wooded area 700 meters short of the runway threshold after stalling during a go-around in low visibility, resulting in thirteen fatalities and thirteen injuries.
What happened
The flight was on approach to Moscow when air traffic control instructed the crew to stack over the airport due to poor weather conditions. After holding for more than two hours, the pilot reported that fuel reserves were critically low and received clearance to attempt a landing. During the final approach, visibility was severely reduced by fog. The captain was unable to visually acquire the runway and elected to execute a go-around maneuver.
As the aircraft climbed to an altitude of 15 meters, it entered a stall. The plane subsequently crashed into a wooded area located 700 meters short of the runway threshold. Thirteen passengers were killed in the accident, while 13 other occupants sustained injuries. Most of the passengers on board had traveled to Moscow to participate in celebrations for the October Revolution.
Probable cause
The aircraft stalled during a go-around maneuver executed in low visibility conditions due to fog.
What happened in the 5 Nov 1946 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident near Moscow-Vnukovo, Russia?
An aircraft crashed into a wooded area 700 meters short of the runway threshold after stalling during a go-around in low visibility, resulting in thirteen fatalities and thirteen injuries.
Were there any fatalities in the 5 Nov 1946 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident?
The accident was fatal, resulting in 13 fatalities.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 5 Nov 1946 involved a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3), registration CCCP-L946, operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines, at Moscow-Vnukovo, Russia.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The aircraft stalled during a go-around maneuver executed in low visibility conditions due to fog.
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