1 fatality

Polikarpov Po-2 accident at Budenovka, Ukraine, 27 May 1941 (CCCP-A1083)

Budenovka, UkraineTakeoff (climb)

On May 27, 1941, a Polikarpov Po-2 (registration CCCP-A1083) operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Budenovka, Ukraine during takeoff. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Poor piloting techniques on part of the pilot who initiated a sharp turn to the right at an insufficient height (below the minimum height of 50 meters) and reduced power too early. 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.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-08-04Data APIEditorial standards

Probable cause

Poor piloting techniques on part of the pilot who initiated a sharp turn to the right at an insufficient height (below the minimum height of 50 meters) and reduced power too early.

— the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A) Determination

Accident narrative

The pilot, sole on board, was engaged in a crop spraying mission on beets field located near the village of Budenovka. Shortly after takeoff (last flight as the operation started at 0500LT), at a height of 20-25 metres, the pilot initiated a sharp turn to the right. The airplane rolled to an angle of 45° when the pilot reduced the engine power, causing the aircraft to stall and to crash. The airplane was destroyed and the pilot was killed.

Probable cause (official findings): Poor piloting techniques on part of the pilot who initiated a sharp turn to the right at an insufficient height (below the minimum height of 50 meters) and reduced power too early.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 27 May 1941 Polikarpov Po-2 accident near Budenovka, Ukraine?

The pilot, sole on board, was engaged in a crop spraying mission on beets field located near the village of Budenovka. Shortly after takeoff (last flight as the operation started at 0500LT), at a height of 20-25 metres, the pilot initiated a sharp turn to the right. The airplane rolled to an angle of 45° when the…

Were there any fatalities in the 27 May 1941 Polikarpov Po-2 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 27 May 1941 involved a Polikarpov Po-2, registration CCCP-A1083, operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines, at Budenovka, Ukraine.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Poor piloting techniques on part of the pilot who initiated a sharp turn to the right at an insufficient height (below the minimum height of 50 meters) and reduced power too early.