Tupolev ANT-9 (PS-9) accident at Chardzhou, Turkmenistan, 12 Nov 1937 (CCCP-L163)
On November 12, 1937, a Tupolev ANT-9 (PS-9) (registration CCCP-L163) operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Chardzhou, Turkmenistan during takeoff. 11 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The accident was the consequence of the combination of the following factors: - A fuel connection to the carburetor of the right engine moved after takeoff due to strong vibrations, preventing the engine from being properly fueled, - Numerous repairs had been… This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 7 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
Probable cause
The accident was the consequence of the combination of the following factors: - A fuel connection to the carburetor of the right engine moved after takeoff due to strong vibrations, preventing the engine from being properly fueled, - Numerous repairs had been made to this engine over the past two days, - The pilot took the decision to return to his departure point when there was a serviceable airfield located 800-1,000 metres from his position, - The crew failed to shut off the fuel feed to the right engine, which led to the engine fire and explosion.
— NTSB Determination
Accident narrative
About five minutes after takeoff from Chardzhou Airport, while climbing to a height of about 500 metres, the right engine failed. The pilot decided to return to his departure point, made a turn to the left and reduced his altitude when the airplane stalled and crashed near the airport, bursting into flames. The aircraft was totally destroyed and all 11 occupants were killed.
Probable cause (official findings): The accident was the consequence of the combination of the following factors: - A fuel connection to the carburetor of the right engine moved after takeoff due to strong vibrations, preventing the engine from being properly fueled, - Numerous repairs had been made to this engine over the past two days, - The pilot took the decision to return to his departure point when there was a serviceable airfield located 800-1,000 metres from his position, - The crew failed to shut off the fuel feed to the right engine, which led to the engine fire and explosion.