On October 4, 2020, a Virazh V-1 aircraft, registration RA-0376A, was performing aerial work for sunflower desiccation in the Nikolsky district of the Penza region. The flight area featured a complex field shape surrounded by mixed forest with trees reaching approximately 20 meters in height. The terrain in the area included a slope from southwest to northeast and a ridge rising up to 100 meters above the field level.
During the execution of the aerial work, the aircraft collided with trees and the ground. The impact destroyed the aircraft, and the pilot was killed in the accident. There was no fire reported, and no injuries or damage occurred to persons or property on the ground.
Records indicate the aircraft had performed a previous flight on October 3, 2020, from Kamenny Brod to a point near the settlement of Mais. On the day of the accident, the pilot-in-command began operations at 08:00. While the pilot did not undergo a pre-flight medical examination, this was permitted under specific regulations (FAP-128) for the operating location.
Information regarding the actual mass and center of gravity of the aircraft at the time of the accident was unavailable. Documentation for the aircraft specifies a maximum mass of 495 kg and a center of gravity range of 29.0% to 39.0% MAC.