On July 24, 2018, a Z-326 aircraft, registered as RA-2801G, was conducting a one-time test flight at the Serpukhov (Drakino) airfield. The flight was part of a contract between the aircraft owner, the Federation of Aircraft Sports of the Tula Region, and the certification center LLC Center AON, to assess the airworthiness of the aircraft.
The crew consisted of a captain, acting as an expert pilot-test pilot, and a co-pilot. The co-pilot's role during the flight was to monitor and record instrument readings using a camera. The flight was conducted under a permit from Rosaviatsia for the period of July 16 to August 16, 2018.
During the flight, the aircraft RA-2801G entered a stall and spin, leading to a collision with the ground in the area of the Drakino airfield. The accident resulted in two fatalities.
Investigations into the flight of RA-2801G indicated that the aircraft was operating in Class G airspace, following a flight plan submitted to the European Business Aviation Center.