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Polikarpov PR-5 accident at Leninabad, Tajikistan, 16 May 1939 (CCCP-L2162)

Leninabad, TajikistanLanding (descent or approach)

On May 16, 1939, a Polikarpov PR-5 (registration CCCP-L2162) operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Leninabad, Tajikistan during landing or approach. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot was inexperienced and this was his first solo flight. Failure of the Authority at Stalinabad Airport who allowed the pilot to take off despite poor weather conditions at destination and his lack of experience. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 4 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

The pilot was inexperienced and this was his first solo flight. Failure of the Authority at Stalinabad Airport who allowed the pilot to take off despite poor weather conditions at destination and his lack of experience.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

At 0700LT, the pilot was cleared for takeoff from Stalinabad on a mail flight to Leninabad despite weather conditions at destination were poor due to thunderstorm activity. On approach, the pilot lost control of the aircraft that crashed in a field and was killed.

Probable cause (official findings): The pilot was inexperienced and this was his first solo flight. Failure of the Authority at Stalinabad Airport who allowed the pilot to take off despite poor weather conditions at destination and his lack of experience.

Related events

Same operator

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