Incident
A few dozen minutes after takeoff from Guryev Airport, while cruising at altitude, the crew observed a higher than normal fuel consumption and realized they could not reach the intended destination. The captain decided to return to Guryev, but the remaining fuel was insufficient for the flight back.
Emergency Landing
The crew attempted an emergency landing in an open field located approximately 42 kilometers from Guryev Airport. The aircraft crash landed in the field and came to rest.
Outcome
All six occupants escaped uninjured. The aircraft sustained damage beyond repair.
Probable Cause
The investigation determined that ground personnel responsible for refueling operations at Guryev Airport failed to properly replace the fuel tank cap. This omission allowed fuel to leak from the tank during flight, necessitating the emergency landing. Additionally, the crew's failure to check the aircraft prior to takeoff according to published procedures was considered a contributing factor.