On June 24, 2021, at approximately 07:00, an Antonov An-2, registration RA-01430, was performing agricultural operations near the settlement of Zaboisky in the Slavyansk district of the Krasnodar region. The aircraft was being used to apply nitrogen fertilizer to rice fields under a contract for agricultural work.
During the takeoff roll from a landing site characterized by an uneven surface, the aircraft experienced oscillations in its heading. In an attempt to correct the directional deviation, the pilot applied abrupt braking to the wheels. This action caused the aircraft to enter an uncontrollable left turn, leading it to veer off the landing area and collide with an embankment.
Investigation into the flight operations revealed that the pilot-in-command was not included in the operator's certificate specification and had not been issued a flight assignment. Additionally, the takeoff configuration did not align with the aircraft flight manual (AFM) requirements for such terrain; the pilot used nominal engine power and 20-degree flaps, rather than the required takeoff power and 30-degree flaps.
Technical findings noted the absence of a locking mechanism for the tail wheel on RA-01430. The incident resulted in no fatalities or injuries.