GVF PS-84 accident at Balashov, Russia, 8 Aug 1943 (CCCP-L3982)
On August 8, 1943, a GVF PS-84 (registration CCCP-L3982) operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Balashov, Russia during takeoff. 6 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: It was determined that one of the M-105 engine was inadequately restrained. After liftoff, the secure system broke off, causing the engine to brake through the cabin floor, trapping the elevator cable. 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.
Probable cause
It was determined that one of the M-105 engine was inadequately restrained. After liftoff, the secure system broke off, causing the engine to brake through the cabin floor, trapping the elevator cable. In such conditions, the crew was unable to maintain a safe control of the aircraft that stalled and crashed. Incorrect restraining methods on part of the ground personnel and the failure of the crew to supervise the loading and the installation of the M-105 engines on board were considered as contributory factors.
— NTSB Determination
Accident narrative
The crew was performing a cargo flight from Balashov to Kursk, carrying a load of three M-105 engines. Shortly after takeoff, while climbing to a height of 50 meters, the aircraft stalled. It descended to a height of 10 meters, climbed again to about 30 meters then stalled and crashed in flames in an open field located 7 km from the airport. The aircraft was destroyed and all six crew members were killed.
Probable cause (official findings): It was determined that one of the M-105 engine was inadequately restrained. After liftoff, the secure system broke off, causing the engine to brake through the cabin floor, trapping the elevator cable. In such conditions, the crew was unable to maintain a safe control of the aircraft that stalled and crashed. Incorrect restraining methods on part of the ground personnel and the failure of the crew to supervise the loading and the installation of the M-105 engines on board were considered as contributory factors.