Overview
On 26 August 2017, the crew of Antonov An-2 aircraft RA-33036, consisting of a commander and a co-pilot, performed agricultural aviation flights over forest lands managed by the Yeniseysk Forestry under a contract between Phoenix Air Company and the Forest Fire Center. The flight was conducted in accordance with a request dated 26 August 2017 and a prior agreement. The flight plan and airspace usage request were filed in a timely manner, and clearance was granted by the Yeniseysk air traffic controller.
Preflight Procedures
The flight task specified visual flight rules at an altitude no lower than the safe minimum. The route was from Yeniseysk to plot 19.2 and back. The crew did not undergo a pre-flight medical examination; the commander made the decision to authorize the flight, which is permitted under applicable regulations when no medical personnel are available. The commander obtained meteorological information from the Yeniseysk weather station on the morning of the flight. Preflight preparation was conducted one hour before departure under the commander's supervision. After the external inspection of the aircraft, the commander performed an incomplete engine run-up; the engine parameters were within normal limits.
Departure
At 09:55 on 26 August 2017, the crew took off for the third agricultural flight of the day on plot 19.2. The aircraft had been fueled with 540 kg of fuel, and the loaded mass of chemicals was recorded.