Accident Details
On the day of the accident, a single-engine aircraft departed Birobidzhan Airport at 0810 local time on a short cargo flight to a remote area. The aircraft carried two geophysicists, two pilots, and two diesel drums in addition to the regular cargo. After takeoff, the aircraft climbed to an altitude of 15 to 20 meters, then the crew executed a 180-degree turn and continued flying to the southwest for approximately 20 kilometers. While cruising at an altitude of 600 meters, the aircraft struck tree tops and subsequently crashed in flames in a wooded area. The aircraft was destroyed in the impact and ensuing fire.
Occupants
All four occupants of the aircraft—the two pilots and the two geophysicist passengers—were killed in the accident. The source explicitly states that both passengers were not authorized to embark on this flight.
Investigation
Official findings determined that both pilots were intoxicated at the time of the accident. They decided to start the flight without proper permission and failed to consult the weather forecast prior to departure. Additionally, at takeoff, the total weight of the aircraft was 4,900 kilograms, which was 160 kilograms above the maximum takeoff weight (MTOW).