Accident Overview
A single-engine aircraft conducting a local skydiving mission in the Volgograd region crashed into the Akhtuba River near the city of Volzhsky. The aircraft was destroyed, and all three occupants were killed.
Flight Sequence
After some skydivers had exited the aircraft, the pilot decided to return to the departure point. Two passengers remained in the cabin. For reasons not specified in the official findings, the pilot initiated a rapid descent while at an altitude of 1,000 meters. During this descent, the pilot lost control of the airplane. The aircraft entered a dive and impacted the river at a speed of 310 km/h.
Probable Cause
According to the official investigation, the probable cause is that the pilot initiated a rapid descent for unknown reasons. During that descent, the passenger seated in the copilot seat, who was not wearing a seatbelt, fell onto the control column. This action caused the aircraft to become uncontrollable.
Occupants and Damage
The aircraft was destroyed upon impact. All three occupants—the pilot and two passengers—were killed. No other injuries or damage were reported.