On October 22, 2016, the pilot-in-command was conducting a daytime training flight in visual meteorological conditions. The flight route originated from Goreloe airfield, proceeded to the Bondari settlement, and was intended to return to Goreloe airfield. The aircraft involved was a Cetus A-900, registration RA-1856G.
Prior to departure, the pilot performed refueling using approximately 100 liters of AI-98 gasoline, distributed equally between the two wing tanks. While the aircraft's takeoff weight and center of gravity were within the limits specified in the flight manual, several regulatory discrepancies were noted. The pilot did not undergo a medical examination before the flight, and the pre-flight preparation was not documented in an aircraft logbook.
During the flight, the aircraft engaged in intense maneuvering at an extremely low altitude. The investigation determined that the pilot misperceived the aircraft's altitude while flying over a disorienting, non-contrasting water surface.
This loss of altitude perception led to an uncontrolled descent. The landing gear struts made contact with the water, causing sudden braking and resulting in the aircraft falling into the water. No injuries or fatalities were reported in the accident.