What happened
On April 19, a Lisunov LI-2 departed from Irkutsk Airport at 04:31 local time under challenging meteorological conditions, including heavy snowfall, low cloud ceilings, turbulence, and icing. Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft deviated from its intended flight path. While cruising at an altitude of approximately 1,500 meters, a fire ignited in the right engine. In response to the emergency, the crew attempted to feather the propeller and initiated an immediate return to the departure airport.
During the descent, the aircraft lost sufficient altitude to strike treetops, resulting in an inverted crash in a forested region roughly 4 km north of Iskra, approximately 20 km east of Irkutsk. Search and rescue operations were launched after the flight failed to reach its destination; however, the wreckage was not located until April 4. The accident resulted in 12 fatalities and one serious injury. The aircraft was completely destroyed.
Findings
Investigations into the accident identified a failure in the third cylinder of the right engine as the primary trigger for the in-flight fire. Several contributing factors prevented the crew from maintaining altitude during the emergency:
- Severe weather conditions, specifically icing and reduced visibility.
- Inadequate maintenance of the right engine, particularly regarding the 50-hour periodic inspection requirements.
- Mechanical issues including poor cylinder quality and improper exhaust valve adjustment.
- The presence of an unqualified co-pilot who lacked the necessary licensure for the LI-2 type, which hindered effective cockpit management during the crisis.
- Crew impairment due to fatigue and alcohol consumption prior to departure.