Training aircraft crash near Bogotol airfield (CCCP-T293)

What happened

The crew was conducting a local training exercise in the vicinity of the Bogotol airfield. While executing a circuit, the pilot switched the fuel selector from the upper tank to the lower tank. This action resulted in an immediate engine failure. In response, the pilot initiated a left turn with the intention of returning to the airfield. However, the aircraft began to lose airspeed during the maneuver. From an altitude of approximately 50 meters, the airplane entered a stall and impacted the ground roughly 100 meters southwest of the airfield perimeter. The instructor sustained fatal injuries in the crash.

Findings

Investigations identified several contributing factors to the accident. The primary cause was determined to be an incorrect action by the flight instructor regarding the fuel valve, which led to its closure and subsequent engine stoppage. Additionally, the investigation noted that the instructor performed improper maneuvers during a low-altitude turn following the engine failure. Findings also indicated negligence by the chief of instruction in supervising the flying instructor's actions. Finally, violations of specific sections of the flight manual were recorded as part of the causal chain.