Polikarpov Po-2 | Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives

The pilot, sole on board, was engaged in a crop spraying mission on beets field located near the village of Budenovka. Shortly after takeoff (last flight as the operation started at 0500LT), at a height of 20-25 metres, the pilot initiated a sharp turn to the right. The airplane rolled to an angle of 45° when the pilot reduced the engine power, causing the aircraft to stall and to crash. The airplane was destroyed and the pilot was killed.

Probable cause:

Poor piloting techniques on part of the pilot who initiated a sharp turn to the right at an insufficient height (below the minimum height of 50 meters) and reduced power too early.

Crash of Polikarpov AP in Chernyshkovsky: 1 killed

Date & Time: Jun 16, 1940

Type of aircraft:

Polikarpov Po-2

Operator:

Registration:

CCCP-A1289

Flight Phase:

Flight

Flight Type:

Spraying (Agricultural)

Survivors:

Yes

Site:

Plain, Valley

Schedule:

Chernyshkovsky - Chernyshkovsky

MSN:

16618

YOM:

1940

Location:

Country:

Region:

Crew on board:

Crew fatalities:

Pax on board:

Pax fatalities:

Other fatalities:

Total fatalities:

Aircraft flight hours:

Circumstances:

The crew was engaged in a spraying mission on mustard plantation in the region of Chernyshkovsky. After the lunch brake, the pilot decided to make low passes over the village and to show to local people the airplane's capabilities. At a height of 10-12 metres, he initiated hazardous manoeuvres when he lost control of the airplane that crashed on the ground, bursting into flames. The mechanic was seriously injured and the pilot was killed.

Probable cause:

It was determined that the pilot was intoxicated after drinking vodka during the lunch. He also decided to initiate a flight without prior permission.

Crash of Polikarpov SP in Dolgii Buerak: 2 killed

Date & Time: Dec 2, 1939 at 1130 LT

Type of aircraft:

Polikarpov Po-2

Operator:

Registration:

CCCP-K200

Flight Phase:

Landing (descent or approach)

Flight Type:

Ferry

Survivors:

Site:

Plain, Valley

Schedule:

Ganyushkino – Vladimirovka – Saratov

MSN:

2533

YOM:

1931

Location:

Country:

Region:

Crew on board:

Crew fatalities:

Pax on board:

Pax fatalities:

Other fatalities:

Total fatalities:

Aircraft flight hours:

733

Circumstances:

On December 1st, the airplane departed Saratov with the same crew to deliver mouse for a laboratory based in Ganyushkino, south Kazakhstan. The next day, the pilot departed Ganyushkino at 0830LT on the return trip to Saratov with an intermediate stop in Vladimirovka. Approaching Saratov, the pilot encountered poor visibility due to fog and passed over the airfield without any visual contact with the ground. He then returned to the north when he encountered snow falls. The airplane entered a right turn the lost height and crashed in a pasture located 1,5 km west of the village of Dolgii Buerak, about 7,5 km north-east of Saratov Airport. The airplane was destroyed and both occupants were killed.

Probable cause:

The accident was the consequence of the followings:
- The pilot decided to perform the flight despite he was informed prior to departure about the poor weather conditions at destination;
- The pilot continues the approach to Saratov Airport in below-minima weather conditions;
- Poor flight preparation;
- Lack of discipline on part of the pilot.