Incident Overview
An aircraft operating a cargo flight from Ust-Khayryuzovo to Palana with intermediate stops at Tiguil and Voyampolka crashed shortly after departing Voyampolka. The aircraft, carrying three passengers, two pilots, and 954 kilograms of deer meat carcasses, was destroyed upon impact. All five occupants sustained injuries, and one passenger died from injuries a few hours later.
Flight Details
The flight was scheduled with stops at Tiguil and Voyampolka en route to Palana. The aircraft was loaded with deer meat carcasses and had three passengers and two crew members on board.
Sequence of Events
After takeoff from Voyampolka, the copilot informed the captain that they had forgotten to deliver a package. The pilot decided to return and performed a low pass at an altitude of approximately 50 meters. During the low pass, the pilot opened his window and jettisoned the package. The aircraft then banked left and lost altitude, causing the left wing to strike the ground. The airplane cartwheeled and crashed upside down on icy terrain, resulting in the destruction of the aircraft and injuries to all occupants.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined that the accident was the consequence of a careless take of risk on the part of the pilot, who attempted to drop a package in flight while it would be more prudent to land. In doing so, he failed to pay attention to the conduct of the flight and the aircraft attitude.