Taganrog

Crashed in unknown circumstances into the sea off Taganrog, in the Azov Sea.

In unclear circumstances, the seaplane crashed in the Azov Sea while trying to land off Taganrog. The airplane was destroyed and the crew fate remains unknown.

The crew consisted of pilots and engineers working for the Russian Central Institute for Aerodynamic Study (TsAGI - Tsentralniy Aerogidrodinamicheskiy Institut). The aircraft, a three engine seaplane, was the first prototype and was involved in a series of test flights. While taking off on rough sea off Taganrog, the aircraft hit a first wave and then plunged just to a next wave. The pylon of the central engine located on the roof broke off, causing the engine to fell into the cockpit, killing all five crew members.