Accident Overview
On an unspecified date, a parked airplane at Khabarovsk Airport encountered gusty winds reaching 86 km/h. The strong winds persisted during taxiing and takeoff. The crew departed Khabarovsk Airport at 1158 local time, destined for Magdagachi. While cruising at an altitude of 2,100 meters at 1235 LT, the aircraft lost control, dove into the ground, and crashed on the northwestern slope of Mount Poktoi, approximately 30 km west of Birobidzhan.
Search and Wreckage
Search and rescue operations were initiated but suspended several days later, as no trace of the aircraft was initially found. In June 1958, the wreckage was located on a 45-degree slope. The airplane was destroyed by impact forces and a subsequent post-crash fire.
Probable Cause
The investigation determined that the loss of control was the consequence of the failure of the rudder, which detached in flight following strong winds encountered on the ground while parked at Khabarovsk Airport.