Lisunov LI-2 accident at Orlivka, Ukraine, 7 Dec 1944 (CCCP-L4161)
On December 7, 1944, a Lisunov LI-2 (registration CCCP-L4161) operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Orlivka, Ukraine in flight. 16 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Wrong decision on part of the crew to reduce his altitude in thick fog (flying below minima weather conditions). At the time of the accident, visibility was estimated less than 300 meters and the aircraft hit the ground at full power. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
Probable cause
Wrong decision on part of the crew to reduce his altitude in thick fog (flying below minima weather conditions). At the time of the accident, visibility was estimated less than 300 meters and the aircraft hit the ground at full power. Investigators considered that the total flying time of the captain during the last three months was insufficient. Finally, information transmitted to the crew regarding weather conditions were inadequate and did not reflect the truth.
— NTSB Determination
Accident narrative
En route from Chisinau to Kiev, the crew encountered poor weather conditions with low visibility due to thick fog. In such conditions, and apparently to establish a visual contact with the ground, the captain decided to reduce his altitude when the aircraft hit the slope of a ravine and crashed in a field 460 meters further on. The aircraft was destroyed and all 16 occupants were killed.
Probable cause (official findings): Wrong decision on part of the crew to reduce his altitude in thick fog (flying below minima weather conditions). At the time of the accident, visibility was estimated less than 300 meters and the aircraft hit the ground at full power. Investigators considered that the total flying time of the captain during the last three months was insufficient. Finally, information transmitted to the crew regarding weather conditions were inadequate and did not reflect the truth.