Incident Overview
A crop spraying aircraft operating from Nizhni Karachan in the Gribanovski district of the Voronezh region was engaged in agricultural operations for the kolkhoz (collective farm) im. Dimitrova. While en route between Nizhni Karachan and Demidovo, the engine failed as the aircraft flew over a forested area.
Sequence of Events
Following the engine failure, the aircraft, which was at an altitude of approximately 80-90 meters, began to lose height. It collided with tree tops and subsequently crashed upside down in the forest. Impact forces and a post-crash fire consumed the aircraft, which burned out completely. The pilot, the sole occupant on board, was killed.
Investigation Findings
The official investigation determined that the probable cause of the accident was loss of control following an in-flight engine failure. Investigators were unable to establish the precise reason for the engine failure because the engine was totally destroyed by the impact and the ensuing fire.