What happened
During an expedition focused on oil exploration, a single-engine aircraft was operating with a total of 22 people on board, including two pilots and 20 scientists and geologists. Shortly after departing, the aircraft struggled to establish sufficient climb performance. The plane subsequently entered a stall and descended into a field covered in snow.
Despite the impact, all 22 occupants were successfully rescued from the wreckage. While there were no fatalities, the aircraft sustained damage that rendered it a total loss.
Findings
Investigations into the accident revealed critical weight and balance discrepancies. The aircraft was operating significantly over its maximum allowable limits, with the total weight recorded at 831 kilos above the maximum takeoff weight. Additionally, the center of gravity was positioned 6.8% behind the permitted aft limit, which contributed to the loss of control.