Polikarpov Po-2 accident at Bataysk, Russia, 1 Sept 1938 (CCCP-L956)
On September 1, 1938, a Polikarpov Po-2 (registration CCCP-L956) operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Bataysk, Russia in flight. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Poor organization of the training mission on part of the instructors at Bataysk Airport. Also the crew precipitated the mission and failed to maintain a safe distance while flying in formation. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
Probable cause
Poor organization of the training mission on part of the instructors at Bataysk Airport. Also the crew precipitated the mission and failed to maintain a safe distance while flying in formation.
— NTSB Determination
Accident narrative
The airplane departed Bataysk on a local training mission with two pilots on board. A second U-2 registered CCCP-Sh924 took off shortly later with also two pilots on board. Sh924 was following L956 when the first aircraft slowed at a speed of 80-85 km/h so the second aircraft could approach. At a height of about 40 metres, the pilot of L956 initiated a turn when both airplanes collided and crashed in a field located 1,5 km from the airport. Two pilots survived and two others were killed.
Probable cause (official findings): Poor organization of the training mission on part of the instructors at Bataysk Airport. Also the crew precipitated the mission and failed to maintain a safe distance while flying in formation.