1 fatality

Aircraft Shot Down During Communication Operation in Russia (CCCP-L2053)

Russia, RussiaFlight

On February 26, 1942, a Polikarpov Po-2 (registration CCCP-L2053) operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Russia, Russia in flight. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft was shot down by enemy fire during its operational mission. 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 2026-08-05Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft engaged in a communication mission was shot down by enemy fire over Russian territory, resulting in the death of one crew member and injuries to another.

What happened

The incident involved an aircraft that was actively conducting a communication operation at the time of the accident. While performing this duty, the plane came under attack from hostile forces. The aircraft sustained damage from enemy fire, which led to its loss of control and subsequent crash. The wreckage was located somewhere within the borders of Russia.

The crew consisted of two individuals: a pilot and a passenger who served as a communication officer holding the rank of Captain. During the event, the communication officer was killed. The pilot survived the impact but sustained injuries.

Probable cause

The aircraft was shot down by enemy fire during its operational mission.