Lisunov LI-2 accident at Plouznice, Czech Republic, 21 Nov 1947 (YR-TAI)
On November 21, 1947, a Lisunov LI-2 (registration YR-TAI) operated by TARS - Transporturile Aeriene Româno-Sovietice was involved in an aviation accident near Plouznice, Czech Republic in flight. 13 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Due to poor weather conditions, the crew decided to fly at an insufficient altitude, neglecting navigational rules. It appears that radio failed in flight, which was considered as a contributory factor. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
Probable cause
Due to poor weather conditions, the crew decided to fly at an insufficient altitude, neglecting navigational rules. It appears that radio failed in flight, which was considered as a contributory factor.
— NTSB Determination
Accident narrative
Enroute from Bucharest to Prague, the crew encountered poor weather conditions with low clouds. The pilot lost his orientation due to fog and decided to reduce his altitude to establish a visual contact with the ground when the aircraft hit tree tops and crashed in a dense wooded area. Thirteen passengers were rescued, among them Arel Grigoresco, ambassador of Romania in Prague, while thirteen other occupants were killed, among them all five crew members.
Probable cause (official findings): Due to poor weather conditions, the crew decided to fly at an insufficient altitude, neglecting navigational rules. It appears that radio failed in flight, which was considered as a contributory factor.