Polikarpov P-5 accident at Orlik, Kazakhstan, 18 Feb 1937 (CCCP-L1731)
On February 18, 1937, a Polikarpov P-5 (registration CCCP-L1731) operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Orlik, Kazakhstan in flight. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The following factors were identified: - The pilot decided to continue the flight in poor visibility (between 50 and 200 metres) and failed to return, - Lack of discipline, - Overconfidence, - The weather bulletin transmitted to the crew prior to departure… This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
Probable cause
The following factors were identified: - The pilot decided to continue the flight in poor visibility (between 50 and 200 metres) and failed to return, - Lack of discipline, - Overconfidence, - The weather bulletin transmitted to the crew prior to departure from Uralsk were incomplete and inaccurate.
— NTSB Determination
Accident narrative
The airplane departed Uralsk on a cargo flight to Guryev, carrying two crew members and a load of 400 kg of fret and mail. En route, weather conditions worsened. Due to poor visibility, the pilot made an emergency landing near the village of Kalmykovo. About an hour later, as the visibility seems to be better, he took off again. The airplane failed to arrive at destination. The wreckage was found near the village of Orlik. The aircraft was destroyed and both occupants were killed.
Probable cause (official findings): The following factors were identified: - The pilot decided to continue the flight in poor visibility (between 50 and 200 metres) and failed to return, - Lack of discipline, - Overconfidence, - The weather bulletin transmitted to the crew prior to departure from Uralsk were incomplete and inaccurate.