Lisunov LI-2 accident at Kirensk, Russia, 29 Apr 1949 (CCCP-L4464)
On April 29, 1949, a Lisunov LI-2 (registration CCCP-L4464) operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Kirensk, Russia in flight. 14 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: It appears that the aircraft was off track by 70 km to the southeast at the time of the accident due to a navigational error on part of the crew. 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.
Probable cause
It appears that the aircraft was off track by 70 km to the southeast at the time of the accident due to a navigational error on part of the crew. It was reported that this navigational error was caused by poor piloting methods on part of the crew who decided to start the descent to Kirensk without knowing his exact position. The lack of visibility due to clouds was considered as a contributory factor.
— NTSB Determination
Accident narrative
While cruising at an altitude of 1,300 meters in poor weather conditions, the crew started the descent to Kirensk despite the fact that he was unaware of his real position. While descending into clouds, the aircraft hit the slope of a mountain located 117 km east of Kirensk. The wreckage was found few hours later and ten survivors (three crew members and seven passengers) were evacuated while 14 other occupants were killed.
Probable cause (official findings): It appears that the aircraft was off track by 70 km to the southeast at the time of the accident due to a navigational error on part of the crew. It was reported that this navigational error was caused by poor piloting methods on part of the crew who decided to start the descent to Kirensk without knowing his exact position. The lack of visibility due to clouds was considered as a contributory factor.