Single-Engine Aircraft Crash Near Altayskoye (CCCP-55529)

Flight Details and Accident Sequence A single-engine airplane departed Barnaul Airport at 0945 local time, bound for Altayskoye with an intermediate stop at Biisk. For an unknown reason, the crew did not land at Biisk and continued directly to Altayskoye. While approaching Altayskoye, the crew encountered marginal weather conditions, including light snow and visibility limited to 1,500–2,500 meters due to low clouds. During cruise at an altitude of 820 meters, the left wing struck tree tops. The pilot increased engine power, and the aircraft continued flying for approximately 200 meters over six seconds before reaching a critical angle of attack, stalling, and crashing on the south slope of Mount Vereskovaya, located 12.5 km from Altayskoye. ## Search, Rescue, and Casualties Because the aircraft failed to arrive, search and rescue operations were conducted. The wreckage was found the following morning, March 8, at an altitude of 890 meters in a rocky area. The copilot and four passengers were seriously injured, while 10 other occupants were killed. On March 9, the copilot and one passenger died from their injuries.