On September 20, 2023, an X-32 Loon, registered as RA-0852A, was conducting aerial chemical treatment (ACHT) operations. The flight originated from the village of Alekseevka, with the intended landing area near the village of Spassko-Aleksandrovka in the Kondolsky district. No flight plans were submitted for the mission, and no flight permits had been issued for the operation.
Prior to the accident, the aircraft had landed in Spassko-Aleksandrovka to refuel and receive technical instructions and maps for sunflower field treatment. During this stop, the rear seat of the aircraft was removed and replaced with a chemical liquid tank. The aircraft was refueled with approximately 30 liters of A-95 K5 grade gasoline and loaded with approximately 100 liters of chemical liquid.
The total weight of the aircraft at the time of the incident was approximately 585 kg. This exceeded the maximum takeoff weight of 495 kg specified in the aircraft's flight manual. While the center of gravity was within the allowable range of 29.0% to 39.0% of the standard arm, the aircraft was operating in an overweight condition.
The accident occurred during the first flight following the stop in Spassko-Aleksandrovka. The aircraft collided with overhead power lines and subsequently struck the ground, resulting in one fatality.