Polikarpov Po-2 accident at Irkutsk, Russia, 17 Sept 1937 (CCCP-T118)
On September 17, 1937, a Polikarpov Po-2 (registration CCCP-T118) operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Irkutsk, Russia in flight. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Lack of discipline on the part of the pilot of CCCP-T118 who changed his heading and flew out of his designated area, violating instructions and published procedures. 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
Lack of discipline on the part of the pilot of CCCP-T118 who changed his heading and flew out of his designated area, violating instructions and published procedures.
— NTSB Determination
Accident narrative
The pilot departed Irkutsk on a local solo training flight. Another similar airplane registered CCCP-T190 was also completing a local training flight at the same time. Both pilots were assigned to a training zone. For unknown reasons, the pilot of the CCCP-T118 changed his heading and departed his training zone when the collision occurred. Both aircraft entered a dive and crashed near the airport. Both pilots were killed.
Probable cause (official findings): Lack of discipline on the part of the pilot of CCCP-T118 who changed his heading and flew out of his designated area, violating instructions and published procedures.