Tupolev ANT-40 (PS-40/PS-41/SB 2) accident at Novoe Selo, Russia, 9 Jun 1940 (CCCP-L3523)
On June 9, 1940, a Tupolev ANT-40 (PS-40/PS-41/SB 2) (registration CCCP-L3523) operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Novoe Selo, Russia in flight. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: It is believed that the crew lost control of the airplane after it was struck by lightning. For unknown reasons, the crew decided to continue the flight into poor weather conditions rather than returning to Rostov. 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
It is believed that the crew lost control of the airplane after it was struck by lightning. For unknown reasons, the crew decided to continue the flight into poor weather conditions rather than returning to Rostov.
— NTSB Determination
Accident narrative
The airplane departed Rostov Airport at 1500LT on a mail flight to Tbilisi with intermediate stops in Sochi, Sukhumi and Kutaisi. About 50 minutes into the flight, while cruising in stormy weather, the pilot lost control of the airplane that entered a dive, partially disintegrated in the air and crashed in a field at a speed of 600-700 km/h. Both crew members were killed.
Probable cause (official findings): It is believed that the crew lost control of the airplane after it was struck by lightning. For unknown reasons, the crew decided to continue the flight into poor weather conditions rather than returning to Rostov.