What happened
A calibration mission departing from Kiev-Zhuliany Airport ended in a fatal accident when the aircraft lost control during its early ascent. While traveling toward destinations in Donetsk and Voroshilovgrad, the flight crew identified a fire originating in the right engine. Following this discovery, the pilot notified air traffic control of the emergency situation.
Although authorities authorized an immediate return to the airport for an emergency landing, the aircraft's condition worsened rapidly. The plane became uncontrollable and impacted a field approximately 10.8 km from the departure airfield, resulting in a post-impact fire. The crash resulted in six fatalities among the occupants, with no survivors reported.
Findings
Investigations into the accident determined that the primary factor was a mechanical failure within the right engine. Specifically, a rupture in a fuel line caused the subsequent fire during the initial climb phase. The investigation noted that this rupture may have been the result of corrosion or fatigue cracks within the component.