Unscheduled Engine Test Flight Ends in Crash Near Eldari (CCCP-01867)

Background and Departure On March 13, a crew involved in a spraying operation in the Eldari region arrived at the location. With no flights planned for March 14, the crew opted to conduct engine tests. The captain requested that the copilot vacate the cockpit so a mechanic could occupy the seat for the test run. Three unauthorized passengers from a nearby farm boarded the aircraft. Despite poor weather conditions, with visibility below minimums, the captain elected to take off. The single-engine aircraft departed at 1228 local time with the flaps set to 20 degrees. ## Accident Sequence During the initial climb, at an altitude of approximately 25 to 30 meters, the aircraft entered a right turn. It subsequently lost altitude and crashed into a field situated 600 meters from the departure point. One passenger was killed, and five other occupants sustained injuries. ## Official Findings The investigation determined that the captain initiated a local test flight without a copilot in poor weather conditions, specifically fog with a vertical visibility of 50 meters and horizontal visibility of 300 meters. The flight was conducted without prior permission and with unauthorized passengers on board. In the limited visibility, the aircraft banked right to an angle of 30 degrees. An excessive correction by the pilot-in-command rendered the aircraft uncontrollable, leading to the loss of altitude and the crash.