On February 20, 2025, a Cetus 704 RV-7, registration RA-2296G, departed from the Kstovo-Vostochny airfield in the Nizhny Novgorod region. The flight was intended to include passenger transport and various aerobatic maneuvers. The individual operating the aircraft did not possess a pilot's license and lacked power of attorney from the aircraft owner.
During the flight, the aircraft performed several complex maneuvers, including a barrel roll, inverted flight, a Nesterov loop, and a half loop. The pilot took off at 07:12:14 after completing engine warm-up and testing procedures.
The accident occurred during a 180-degree roll. During this maneuver, the aircraft experienced an increase in normal overload, which caused an increase in the pitch-down angle. This maneuver brought the aircraft into close proximity to the ground, making recovery impossible.
Investigation findings noted that the maneuvers performed were prohibited by the aircraft's flight manual. Additionally, it was noted that aerobatic maneuvers had been repeatedly performed at altitudes below 50 meters during previous flights.