Accident Details
The accident occurred on a local skydiving flight departing from Kimry-Borki Airport. The aircraft carried 23 skydivers and two pilots. At an altitude of 3,800 metres, 11 skydivers prepared to jump and moved toward the rear of the cabin. Four of them exited the aircraft before the incident escalated.
Sequence of Events
Shortly after the skydivers moved aft, the aircraft stalled from the tail, pitched nose-up, and entered an uncontrolled descent. At approximately 2,000 metres, the aircraft suffered a structural failure and broke apart in flight. Several skydivers were ejected from the fuselage. The wreckage came to rest in a snow-covered forest approximately two kilometres from the airfield. Rescue personnel found nine skydivers and both pilots deceased; all other occupants survived. The aircraft was totally destroyed.
Probable Cause
Official findings determined that the aircraft was operated under illegal conditions. It carried 23 skydivers, though it was certified for a maximum of 12. The total weight exceeded the maximum takeoff weight by 618 kilograms. Additionally, the centre of gravity was well beyond the rear limit—approximately 35 percent—particularly when the 11 skydivers moved to the rear. Some skydivers were seated on the floor and one was in the toilet, further contributing to the imbalance.