Incident Overview
On a morning departure from Susuman Airfield at 0826 local time, an aircraft embarked on a prospecting mission for the 22nd Geophysical NPN Group based in Seymchan. The flight carried three crew members and three operators from the NPN Group.
Collision and Crash
While cruising in a valley at an altitude of 800 meters, the aircraft struck power cables, severing three of them. The collision caused the aircraft to lose control and crash approximately 375 meters beyond the cable strike, where it was engulfed in flames.
Casualties and Injuries
All three crew members sustained serious injuries. The three passengers were killed in the accident.
Official Findings
The investigation determined that the crew failed to adhere to the minimum prescribed altitude for the mission. They also failed to see and avoid the power cables, which were located about 50 meters above the ground. Contributing factors included poor flight planning by the crew and inadequate organization of the mission by the geophysical company.