Accident Overview
On a weather observation mission departing from Dessau Airport, the captain elected to continue flight under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) instead of climbing and operating under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR). The decision led to flight below cloud cover and in restricted visibility.
Sequence of Events
Approximately ten minutes after takeoff, while cruising at an altitude of 500 feet, the aircraft's right wing impacted a chimney belonging to a metallurgical complex. The aircraft subsequently crashed and was engulfed in flames.
Casualties
All six crew members aboard the aircraft and one individual on the ground sustained fatal injuries.
Investigation
The investigation focused on the captain's choice to conduct VFR operations in conditions of low visibility and low ceiling, which resulted in controlled flight into an obstacle. No other contributing factors were identified in the official source.