What happened
During an unsanctioned flight intended for agricultural spraying operations for the Balapanovski state farm, an aircraft crashed in an open field near Novonikolayevka. The incident occurred at an airstrip situated approximately 5 km northeast of the settlement in the Beskaragai district of the Semipalatinsk region.
While performing a sharp left-hand turn at a low altitude, the aircraft experienced a stall, leading to a crash roughly 1,700 metres from the airfield. The impact was followed by an onboard fire. The accident resulted in three fatalities and two serious injuries. Among those injured was a teenager who succumbed to their injuries the following day.
Findings
Official investigations concluded that the accident was driven by pilot error and lack of discipline. The pilot chose to conduct an unauthorized flight while carrying unauthorized passengers and attempted dangerous maneuvers during the operation.