What happened
On June 20, 2022, at 21:30 UTC, an Antonov An-2, registration RA-17742, was scheduled to perform a cargo and passenger flight from Us Khatyn to the Vertikalny mining area. The flight, operated by Vostochny Veter Airlines, was planned to operate under visual flight rules within Class G airspace at an altitude of 2100 meters.
The aircraft had been fueled on June 17, 2022, and the loading process was completed on the day of the flight under the supervision of the co-pilot. Prior to departure, the aircraft underwent engine start and testing by a technician. At approximately 21:00 local time, the crew and the aircraft owner arrived at the departure site. The crew delayed the departure while waiting for improved weather conditions.
The investigation
Investigators examined the operational status of the aircraft and the employment status of the ground personnel. It was noted that the technician who performed the pre-flight engine warm-up was not formally employed by Vostochny Veter Airlines. Additionally, the investigation could not determine how the crew obtained their meteorological information, as no official weather consultation was recorded with the Yakutsk UGMS aviation meteorological units.