Junkers JU.52 accident at Chardzhou, Turkmenistan, 15 Mar 1945 (CCCP-L41)
On March 15, 1945, a Junkers JU.52 (registration CCCP-L41) operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Chardzhou, Turkmenistan during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Wrong approach configuration on part of the pilot in command and inadequate decisions caused the aircraft to lose height and crash on final. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 7 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
Probable cause
Wrong approach configuration on part of the pilot in command and inadequate decisions caused the aircraft to lose height and crash on final.
— NTSB Determination
Accident narrative
On the leg from Ashgabat to Chardzhou (now Türkmenabat) of a positioning flight from Ashgabat to Alma Ata for overhaul by ARM-405 when the right engine failed near Repetek. The pilot decided to go around on landing at Chardzhou as he was unable to make out the landing T, being blinded by flying against the sun, the aircraft lost height and speed while flying a left turn. The pilot did not cope with the situation so the aircraft collided with an irrigation canal and trees 4 km from the airfield, lost its landing gear, flaps and ailerons and crash landed. Both outer engines broke of. All seven occupants were unhurt.
Probable cause (official findings): Wrong approach configuration on part of the pilot in command and inadequate decisions caused the aircraft to lose height and crash on final.