What happened
During the initial climb phase following departure from Bykovo Airport, an Antonov An-2 experienced a critical failure of its right engine. The malfunction occurred while the aircraft was at an altitude of approximately 20 to 30 meters. This loss of power caused the plane to descend rapidly, striking trees before impacting a house situated less than one kilometer from the airport perimeter.
The impact and subsequent fire resulted in the total destruction of both the aircraft and the residential structure. The flight was operating as a mail delivery service destined for Svedlovsk, with a scheduled stop in Gorki, carrying nearly two tons of newspapers and mail.
All five crew members on board perished in the accident. Despite the proximity of the crash to a residence, there were no injuries reported among individuals on the ground.
Findings
Investigations into the engine failure revealed that the right engine's fuel pump ceased functioning due to an obstruction within the fuel line. Specifically, a nut was discovered inside the line, which led to the mechanical failure during the climb. Evidence indicated that this failure was the result of sabotage, as a nearly identical incident had been recorded only eight days before the crash.