What happened
On July 15, 2022, an Antonov An-2, registration RA-02240, was involved in a fatal accident near the Prochnookopskaya settlement in the Novokubansky District of Krasnodar Krai. The aircraft had been operating at the Prochnookopskaya airfield since July 6, 2022, under a verbal agreement to perform agricultural work for a local farm.
Following the completion of scheduled agricultural tasks on the evening of July 14, 2022, the pilot departed the airfield in a private vehicle. While no flights were officially scheduled by the aircraft owner for July 15, it is believed that one flight was conducted during the morning hours. The aircraft was observed at the airfield between approximately 09:30 and 17:00 on the day of the accident, before departing the area around 17:20. The accident resulted in 2 fatalities, including the pilot and one passenger.
The investigation
The investigation relied on statements from third parties due to the deaths of the pilot and the passenger. Records indicate that the aircraft was being used for agricultural spraying operations under a contract with a local enterprise. Investigators noted that the pilot did not undergo medical clearance prior to the flight on July 15, though it was noted that this did not contradict existing requirements. The specific location and timing of the crew's rest period prior to the accident could not be established.