Tupolev ANT-9 (PS-9) accident at Balkhash, Kazakhstan, 27 Jul 1934 (CCCP-L130)
On July 27, 1934, a Tupolev ANT-9 (PS-9) (registration CCCP-L130) operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Balkhash, Kazakhstan during landing or approach. 10 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The immediate cause of the accident was a violation by the pilot of the article 175 of the flight manual, making a turn at a too low altitude on final. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
Probable cause
The immediate cause of the accident was a violation by the pilot of the article 175 of the flight manual, making a turn at a too low altitude on final. It was determined that the pilot was inexperienced on this type of aircraft and that he was dispatched in a solo position while he was not certified for. Investigations revealed that the administration released his solo position the day after the accident.
— NTSB Determination
Accident narrative
The airplane departed Alma-Ata on a flight to Balkhash with intermediate stops in Karaganda and Taldykorgan. Following a wrong approach configuration to Balkhash Airport, the pilot led the airplane descending with a crosswind component which caused the airplane to land on one landing gear only. The pilot increased engine power and initiated a go-around procedure. During the circuit, the airplane encountered wind up to 47 km/h and due to inappropriate techniques on part of the pilot-in-command, the aircraft descended to a height of 20 metres. While completing a turn, it stalled and crashed 2 km from the runway, bursting into flames. The aircraft was destroyed and all 10 occupants were killed.
Probable cause (official findings): The immediate cause of the accident was a violation by the pilot of the article 175 of the flight manual, making a turn at a too low altitude on final. It was determined that the pilot was inexperienced on this type of aircraft and that he was dispatched in a solo position while he was not certified for. Investigations revealed that the administration released his solo position the day after the accident.