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26 fatalities

Tupolev ANT-6 (TB-3 & G-2) accident at Baiserke, Kazakhstan, 26 Dec 1941 (CCCP-L3043)

Baiserke, KazakhstanFlight

On December 26, 1941, a Tupolev ANT-6 (TB-3 & G-2) (registration CCCP-L3043) operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Baiserke, Kazakhstan in flight. 26 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The crew decided to takeoff in below-minima weather conditions with low clouds, fog, turbulences and severe icing. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 5 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-08-04Data APIEditorial standards

Probable cause

The crew decided to takeoff in below-minima weather conditions with low clouds, fog, turbulences and severe icing.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The airplane departed Alma-Ata Airport at 1110LT on a special flight to Kazan with intermediate stops in Karaganda, Aktyubinsk and Kuybyshev. On board were high-ranking party and state officials of the Kazakh government. At the time of departure, weather conditions were poor with low clouds, turbulences, fog and severe icing. About sixteen minutes after takeoff, the captain decided to return to Alma-Ata Airport because of the weather. While completing a steep turn to the left at an altitude of 100-150 metres, he lost control of the airplane that stalled and crashed in a field located 6 km northwest of Dmitriyevka (now Baiserke), bursting into flames. Five crew members and 21 passengers were killed while eight other occupants were seriously injured.

Probable cause (official findings): The crew decided to takeoff in below-minima weather conditions with low clouds, fog, turbulences and severe icing.

Related events

Same operator

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