The Flight
The aircraft was conducting an aerial survey flight with three passengers and three crew members on board. The flight was operating at low altitude over hilly terrain in the vicinity of Pavlodar.
The Accident
While flying at low height, the aircraft encountered a strong downdraft. The crew's corrective action was too late, causing the left main wheel and left lower wing to make contact with the slope of a hill. The crew subsequently executed a forced landing at Shoptykol. During the forced landing, the aircraft sustained additional damage.
Aftermath
All six occupants escaped unhurt. The aircraft, however, was damaged beyond repair, as confirmed by the maintenance organization "Aviaremont."
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined that the probable cause of the accident was being caught by downdrafts.