On November 23, 1940, a GVF PS-84 (registration CCCP-L3405) operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Stavropol, Russia in flight. 4 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Controlled flight into terrain resulting from an altitude reduction to maintain visual contact during low visibility conditions. 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.
Aircraft struck a mountain slope near Stavropol while en route from Rostov-on-Don to Mineralnye Vody due to low visibility, resulting in the deaths of all four occupants.
What happened
The aircraft was operating an en route flight between Rostov-on-Don and Mineralnye Vody when the crew encountered deteriorating weather conditions characterized by poor visibility caused by low clouds. In an effort to maintain visual reference with the terrain, the pilot initiated a reduction in altitude. This maneuver led to the aircraft impacting the slope of a mountain situated near Stavropol. The collision resulted in the deaths of all four occupants on board.
Findings
The official investigation determined that the accident was caused by controlled flight into terrain.
Probable cause
Controlled flight into terrain resulting from an altitude reduction to maintain visual contact during low visibility conditions.
What happened in the 23 Nov 1940 GVF PS-84 accident near Stavropol, Russia?
Aircraft struck a mountain slope near Stavropol while en route from Rostov-on-Don to Mineralnye Vody due to low visibility, resulting in the deaths of all four occupants.
Were there any fatalities in the 23 Nov 1940 GVF PS-84 accident?
The accident was fatal, resulting in 4 fatalities.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 23 Nov 1940 involved a GVF PS-84, registration CCCP-L3405, operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines, at Stavropol, Russia.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
Controlled flight into terrain resulting from an altitude reduction to maintain visual contact during low visibility conditions.
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