What happened
During a mission to conduct geophysical surveys in the western region of Aldan, Yakutia, a single-engine aircraft crashed into a heavily wooded area. While returning toward the east at an altitude of approximately 1,046 meters, the aircraft flew directly into the sun and collided with treetops. The impact resulted in a post-crash fire.
Of the four people on board, the captain and flight engineer died immediately upon impact. The navigator and the flight operator survived the initial crash but were forced to trek through the forest to locate assistance. After walking for four kilometers, the navigator succumbed to his injuries; his remains were discovered on July 18. The flight operator successfully reached help and was transported to a local hospital for treatment.
Findings
Investigations into the accident identified several contributing elements. A primary factor was the crew's failure to account for how a high outside air temperature of 23°C would negatively impact the aircraft's climb rate and overall performance.
Additional contributing factors included:
- The flight crew did not perform a reconnaissance flight before beginning the mission
- The aircraft was flying directly toward the sun, which likely obscured visibility
- Inadequate preparation for the flight