What happened
In March 2015, the pilot of an Antonov An-2, registration RA-84553, was commissioned by the company Vodoley LLC to ferry the aircraft from Shakhty to a landing site near the village of Lubyanaya in the Rostov Oblast. The aircraft was equipped with spraying equipment for the purpose of agricultural pest control on winter wheat. Following the ferry flight, the pilot began performing agricultural work for two local farms on June 9, 2015.
On the morning of June 15, 2015, the pilot commenced spraying operations near the village of Mikhailov. The aircraft was loaded with 400 liters of AI-95-5K automotive fuel and 1,200 liters of pesticides, bringing the total takeoff weight to 5,245 kg, which was within the maximum allowable limit of 5,250 kg. Prior to departure, a local resident requested that the pilot allow his 14-year-old son to fly as a passenger to observe the operations.
During a maneuver while approaching a field for treatment, the pilot reported that the engine began to run unstably and subsequently stopped. The flight path crossed the 6 kV Mikhailovka-1 power line, which featured poles 9.5 meters high and wires sagging no lower than 6 meters above the ground. As the aircraft descended, it struck the power lines, causing them to break. This impact led to a heavy landing of the aircraft.
The investigation
- The investigation examined the aircraft's takeoff weight and loading conditions.
- The maintenance arrangements were reviewed, noting that a specialist from Belgorod had been hired for technical services.
- The lack of formal documentation regarding contracts between the operator, the pilot, and the ground specialist was noted.
- The engine performance and the flight path relative to the power line infrastructure were analyzed.