Polikarpov PR-5 accident at Khanty-Mansiysk, Russia, 11 Feb 1941 (CCCP-L3374)
On February 11, 1941, a Polikarpov PR-5 (registration CCCP-L3374) operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Khanty-Mansiysk, Russia in flight. 7 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot deliberately decided to return to Samarovo for landing despite poor weather conditions. The following contributing factors were identified: - The weather bulletin transmitted to the pilot was expired and did reflect the actual weather conditions at… 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
The pilot deliberately decided to return to Samarovo for landing despite poor weather conditions. The following contributing factors were identified: - The weather bulletin transmitted to the pilot was expired and did reflect the actual weather conditions at destination, - Absence of control points on the route Tobolsk - Samarovo, - The pilot's lack of experience and training in instrument flights.
— NTSB Determination
Accident narrative
The airplane departed Tyumen-Plekhanovo Airport on a schedule service to Samarovo (now Khanty-Mansiysk), carrying one pilot and six passengers, four adults and two children. Approaching Samarovo, weather conditions deteriorated with snow falls reducing the visibility below one km. The pilot overflew Samarovo without any visual contact and continued until weather conditions improved. At this time, the pilot decided to return to Samarovo despite the fact that the weather was still bad. Approaching from the north, he attempted to land in a pasture when he lost control of the airplane that crashed 15 km north of Samarovo. All seven occupants were killed.
Probable cause (official findings): The pilot deliberately decided to return to Samarovo for landing despite poor weather conditions. The following contributing factors were identified: - The weather bulletin transmitted to the pilot was expired and did reflect the actual weather conditions at destination, - Absence of control points on the route Tobolsk - Samarovo, - The pilot's lack of experience and training in instrument flights.