Polikarpov Po-2 accident at Glazovo, Russia, 17 May 1943
On May 17, 1943, a Polikarpov Po-2 operated by Soviet Air Force - Voyenno-vozdushnye sily CCCP was involved in an aviation accident near Glazovo, Russia in flight. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Loss of control due to strong winds. Lack of caution on the part of the pilots, who were flying at low altitude over a ravine in strong, gusty winds, relying on their extensive experience flying in difficult conditions. 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.
Probable cause
Loss of control due to strong winds. Lack of caution on the part of the pilots, who were flying at low altitude over a ravine in strong, gusty winds, relying on their extensive experience flying in difficult conditions.
— NTSB Determination
Accident narrative
Following some training, the crew was returning to base. The airplane was flying from east to west along the north slope of a 50 metres deep ravine. At low height, it was caught by a strong gust of wind, rolled to the right and crashed. Both pilots were killed.
Probable cause (official findings): Loss of control due to strong winds. Lack of caution on the part of the pilots, who were flying at low altitude over a ravine in strong, gusty winds, relying on their extensive experience flying in difficult conditions.